Israelis take shelter during a missile siren alert in Haifa, on June 16, 2025. (AFP Photo)
June 17, 2025 12:37 AM GMT+03:00
Israel-based Haaretz report that hundreds of Israelis and foreigners are fleeing the country by yacht, with many paying thousands of dollars to reach Cyprus island by sea.
Other Israeli media outlets confirm small-scale trips, ferrying passengers from Haifa for $800 each to Greek Cyprus.
Israel closed its airspace and airports on Friday
Israel closed its airspace and suspended flight operations at Ben Gurion International Airport on Friday.
According to Israeli Channel 12, Israeli airspace was completely closed until further notice due to retaliatory drone strikes from Iran.
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Israelis take shelter during a missile siren alert in Haifa, on June 16, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Meanwhile, Israeli army radio said that the airport was evacuated and empty passenger planes were transferred to other airports.
The public was asked to stay away from the airport – the country’s largest – until further notice.
The official state plane, Wing of Zion, was also transferred, the Transport and Road Safety Ministry said, without specifying the transfer point, according to Channel 12.
Israel launched massive military attack against Iran
Israel launched a sweeping military operation against Iran early Friday, with 200 planes targeting its nuclear program and long-range missile capabilities.
Several senior military officials and nuclear scientists were killed in the attack.
June 17, 2025 11:59 AM GMT+03:00
