Surprise Israeli Attack Leaves Thousands Stranded Abroad in Instability

Mon Oct 20 2025 03:05:09 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Civilian air traffic grounded as international tensions escalate and rescue plans remain uncertain.

Israel's unanticipated military action against Iran has resulted in the closure of its airspace, leaving tens of thousands of Israeli nationals stranded overseas, with little clarity on their return.

In a sudden turn of events following an early morning military strike on Iran, Israel's airspace was closed to civilian traffic, effectively stranding an estimated 100,000 to 150,000 Israelis abroad. The Ben Gurion airport was nearly deserted on Friday, June 16, 2025, as flights were abruptly canceled in the wake of the attack, catching many travelers off-guard.

Conversations have flared online, especially in Facebook groups dedicated to Israelis abroad, with desperate pleas for assistance surfacing as families and individuals find themselves separated and in precarious situations. Accounts include an Israeli in Berlin scrambling to secure essential medications and two Barcelona sisters searching for accommodations in a foreign city.

In response to the crisis, the Israeli ministry of defense stated that it has authorized the initiation of rescue flights, projected to commence within three days, contingent on securing safety measures. As travelers look at neighboring countries for potential land routes back home, the National Security Council has advised against using borders with Jordan and Egypt due to heightened regional tensions, leaving many with limited options.

Despite Israel’s geographical advantages with its nearby Mediterranean coast, there are no established ferry services currently in operation. Discussions regarding alternative maritime transport are ongoing, but no concrete decisions have been made.

Many stranded passengers hope to utilize land routes, while volunteers and relatives are urgently seeking updates from authorities. The Foreign Ministry is encouraging Israelis trapped abroad to register on a digital platform to assist with the repatriation efforts. Officials are warning that it could take several weeks to return all stranded citizens.

This incident follows a tumultuous period in Israeli air travel, disrupted significantly since the onset of conflict initiated by Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023. As international airlines have withdrawn services to Israel, the repercussions of the latest military actions continue to affect thousands worldwide.

Myra Noveck contributed reporting from Jerusalem, with Isabel Kershner providing insights on the broader Israeli-Palestinian tensions from her extensive fieldwork since 1990.