Filenews 17 June 2025
A major repatriation operation is underway for more than 100,000 Israelis stranded abroad, Israeli Transport Minister Miri Regev said on Monday. As he said, the plan envisages conducting special flights in coordination with the Ministry of Defense, but the process will require time and a high level of security.
"We are preparing special flights to bring the Israelis back home," he said, adding that the return would take place "in a very organized way and in full coordination with the Ministry of Defense." However, he stressed that any effort would not be made unless maximum security was ensured, underscoring the fear of possible Iranian attacks on aircraft while on the ground.
"We will not risk bringing a plane and – if it is not happening – there will be an incident with more than 300 victims," he said, acknowledging the concern of the citizens but asking for calm.
Israel's airspace has been closed since Friday, when the Israel Defense Forces launched attacks on Iran, suspending all commercial and passenger flights. The absence of flight activity has blocked Israelis abroad and drastically limited exit options for those wishing to leave the country.
Regev said repatriation flights would operate from cities that have not yet been announced, and that Israelis abroad would have to move to specific locations before boarding. "As soon as the Israeli airlines receive the appropriate slots from the authorities, they will inform the public about the departure points and times," he said.
At the same time, in cooperation with the company Mano Maritime, the Israeli government is examining the possibility of routing ships from Cyprus in order to transport citizens by sea. According to a report by the Times of Israel, the negotiations are about the use of cruise ships that can accommodate mass repatriation trips.
The Minister of Transport also announced that she has started a process for the departure of foreign nationals who "do not need to be in the country", in coordination with their embassies, in order to facilitate their return to their home countries.
Addressing Israeli citizens who remain abroad, Regev asked them to be patient and stay in touch with the relevant authorities. "Enjoy your stay as much as you can and know that we are working hard to bring you back safely," he said.
