U.S. Plans to Restore Staff at Israel and Other Mideast Embassies

The U.S. State Department is preparing to return Foreign Service officers to Middle East embassies evacuated before and during the Iran war, with changes potentially beginning this week. An internal document reviewed by reporters and confirmed by three U.S. officials says staffing will rise at missions including Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, Iraq and Kuwait. Israel, Jordan and Oman are eventually slated for full staffing, while several Gulf posts and Lebanon would initially remain below full strength. Family-return restrictions would stay in place in six Gulf states and Lebanon as Washington adjusts its regional staffing posture.