Meanwhile, Israelis are barred from leaving the country. “We will not approve Israelis’ departures abroad at this stage,” Regev added.
JERUSALEM — Transportation Minister Miri Regev announced Monday that Israel is preparing rescue flights to return over 100,000 Israelis stranded abroad, following the closure of airspace since Friday’s strikes on Iran. However, she stressed the operation will be “phased” and may take time due to security concerns.
“We won’t take a risk and have an incident… with more than 300 dead,” Regev said, citing threats to planes on the ground.
Regev’s comments sparked outrage after she advised stranded citizens: “You’re abroad, enjoy yourself.”
Critics, including opposition leader Benny Gantz, condemned the remarks. “Your job… is not to tell them what to do but to get them home safely,” Gantz said.
Plans are underway for rescue routes from Cyprus, Greece, Thailand, and the U.S. Meanwhile, Israelis are barred from leaving the country.
“We will not approve Israelis’ departures abroad at this stage,” Regev added.
Countries like Poland, Russia, and Portugal are also evacuating their citizens from Israel through nearby nations.