Picture credit: Moti Milrod18th June 2025 – (Tehran) As Iranian missile strikes intensify and Israel vows to escalate its offensive against Iran, hundreds of Israelis are reportedly seeking to flee the country by boat, according to a report by Haaretz on 17th June.
The marina in Herzliya has become a hub for those leaving, with small yacht owners organising trips carrying up to 10 passengers to Cyprus. Similar activity has been reported in marinas in Haifa and Ashkelon. Although Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority has not yet quantified the scale of the exodus, at least 100 people are confirmed to have prepared to set sail, some reuniting with family abroad. Many cite the ongoing missile threat as the primary reason for leaving, though few are willing to speak openly about their departure.
The situation is compounded by the estimated 150,000 Israelis stranded overseas due to the suspension of all flights in the wake of Iranian retaliatory strikes. Israel has announced a repatriation plan, but rescue flights are not expected to begin until at least 19 June. Simultaneously, authorities have banned citizens from flying out of Israel during wartime, leaving maritime escape routes as one of the few options for those seeking to leave.
The crisis follows Israel’s military campaign against Iran, launched on 13 June, aimed at dismantling the Islamic Republic’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The offensive has resulted in significant casualties, including the deaths of several Iranian military leaders, nuclear scientists, and hundreds of civilians, among them at least 70 women and children.
In response, Iran has launched Operation True Promise 3, targeting key Israeli sites with ballistic missiles and drones. Strikes have caused extensive destruction in Tel Aviv and Haifa, hitting military bases, oil pipelines, and critical infrastructure. Iran has warned of further escalation should Israel continue its campaign, heightening fears of a prolonged and devastating conflict.