The first flight carrying Israelis stranded abroad landed Wednesday at Ben-Gurion Airport.
The first flight carrying Israelis stranded abroad landed Wednesday at Ben-Gurion Airport, following a closure of Israeli airspace after Iranian missile strikes triggered by IAF attacks last Friday. The El Al flight from Larnaca marked the launch of Operation Safe Return, aimed at repatriating between 100,000 and 150,000 citizens.
Transportation Minister Miri Regev, who greeted the passengers, stated, “We will do everything to bring Israelis home,” though she acknowledged it “will take time.” She added, “You are abroad, enjoy,” reassuring those still overseas.
Criticism has mounted over the government’s preparedness. MK Benny Gantz posted, “Your role… is not to tell them what to do – but to bring them home safely.” Regev dismissed the backlash, asking rhetorically whether she should have warned citizens not to fly before the military action.
An estimated 2,000 Israelis were expected to return Wednesday, with additional flights and sea transport coordinated through private airlines and Mano Maritime.
READ MORE AT THE JERUSALEM POST