100,000 Israelis Stranded Abroad, Authorities Warn They Should Not Return by Land
Around 100,000 Israelis remain stranded abroad as Israel's airspace stayed closed amid its ongoing strikes on Iran. Authorities in Tel Aviv fear Iran or its proxies could target them, warning them against returning via Jordan or Egypt's Sinai amid growing regional tensions.
On Sunday, Israel's Airports Authority also warned citizens overseas not to travel to regional hubs such as Larnaca, Cyprus, or Athens, Greece, hoping to catch a flight home.
'There is no recommendation for Israelis abroad to travel to these destinations at this stage,' the authority said in a statement, Israel's Yedioth Ahronoth reported on Sunday.
Cyprus has stepped up security for Israeli tourists following concerns that Iran or its proxies could attempt to target them, the newspaper quoted Cypriot police as saying Sunday.
Authorities have increased police patrols near synagogues, Chabad centers, and hotels where Israelis are staying, particularly in the cities of Paphos and Larnaca.
Security measures were also boosted at the international airports in both cities and in crowded areas of Paphos, including the port, promenade, shopping districts and cafes.
'The heightened alert comes amid growing fears of Iranian retaliation following Israeli strikes on Iran last week,' the newspaper said.
In 2023, Israeli officials said they foiled at least two Iranian plots to attack Israeli targets on the island.
Thousands of Israelis have arrived in Cyprus in recent days from various locations abroad, seeking to stay as close to home as possible in case sea routes open to Israel.
Tour guide David Azriel, based in Cyprus, said he has received hundreds of requests for assistance from Israelis dealing with shortages of money, medication and accommodation.
'I estimate there are at least 30,000 Israelis on the island right now,' Azriel said. 'The Cypriot authorities are on high alert and are doing everything they can to protect them.'
Meanwhile, Israel's National Security Council issued a warning against attempts to return to Israel by land through Jordan or Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.
'Sinai and Jordan are both under Level 4 travel warnings, indicating a high threat level,' the council said. 'We strongly advise against traveling through these areas, particularly during this period of heightened tensions.'
Meanwhile, the Transportation and Foreign Ministries said that once security officials authorize the reopening of the skies, flight volume will be limited and delays of several days are expected as operations resume. Travelers were advised to monitor updates from official sources.
Yedioth Ahronoth said more than 100,000 are currently stranded overseas, while Israel's airspace remains shut to civilian flights until further notice.
Shmuel Zakai, head of Israel's Civil Aviation Authority, told Israel's Channel 12 on Saturday that it will take 'weeks, not days' before all Israelis can be brought back.
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