Operation “Return of Israelis Home” Commences: No International Departures, Emergency Center Established, Planes Ready for Takeoff
In a special press conference held today (Monday), Transport Minister Miri Regev and senior officials from Israel’s transportation and aviation sectors announced the launch of a national operation named “Return of Israelis Home”. The operation aims to swiftly and safely bring back Israeli citizens currently abroad, in response to the complex security situation, in full coordination with all security agencies.
Regev clarified that Israeli citizens will not be permitted to leave the country until further notice, except for diplomats and foreign tourists only. “We will act responsibly – on one hand, we will ensure the safety of citizens, and on the other, we will do everything to bring Israelis home,” she stated.
Two Phases of the Operation: Pre-Preparation and Actual Return
Shmuel Zakai, Director of the Civil Aviation Authority, explained that the operation was pre-planned and consists of two phases:
*Phase One – Preliminary Preparation:
Aircraft were prepared in advance, without media exposure, assuming the moment would come to bring Israelis back. “We prepared the airports to accommodate Israeli planes at any moment, including parking spaces and logistical approvals, without knowing when the moment would arrive,” Zakai noted. “The fact that there is parking space for every plane, and everything was executed immediately, without providing detailed explanations to foreign airports where the planes are parked, is a very important stage at the beginning of the operation.”
*Phase Two – Commencement of Actual Returns:
According to Sharon Kedmi, CEO of the Airports Authority, the actual return will begin within approximately 24 hours, subject to final security approval. “In the first phase, only incoming Israeli passengers will be received. There will be no departures. The planes will disembark passengers and immediately take off back. Everything will be managed gradually and in accordance with joint risk management with the security system.”
A Dedicated Body for Operation Management – Including a Call Center
The Ministry of Transport is establishing a dedicated body that will include representatives from the Ministry of Transport, the Home Front Command, the National Emergency Authority, and other entities. This body will manage the operation in practice, including prioritizing emergency cases and citizens needing immediate return.
A public call center will be launched soon and will be announced for inquiries and assistance.
Response by Sea: Mano Maritime to Assist in Returning Israelis from Cyprus
Regev noted that alongside the aerial activity, the Ministry of Transport is also operating in the maritime domain.
The company Mano Maritime, which has been exempted from the restrictions, will begin returning Israelis from Cyprus to Israel by sea. Additionally, the departure of youth groups and tourists from Israel will be allowed subject to security approvals.
“Air Crews See This as a Mission”
Samuel Zakai, Director of the Civil Aviation Authority, explained that among the passengers staying abroad are children who flew without their parents, currently accompanied by flight attendants.
“The crews see this as a true mission to bring the children and passengers back safely – and that is what we will do,” he concluded.
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