Repatriation operations for thousands of Israelis stranded abroad are expected to begin within the next 72 hours, according to information from the N12 television network.
The plan, which was prepared by the Israeli Ministry of Transportation, has already received the approval of the Ministry of Defense and provides for the gradual return of citizens who remained outside the country after the suspension of commercial flights to and from Israel.
According to the same sources, the operational plan provides for only two flight arrivals per hour, and only during the day, which may slow down the pace of repatriation. At the same time, it has not been announced so far which destinations will be served as a priority, nor which air routes will be activated first.
Ben Gurion Airport has been closed since Thursday, while dozens of airlines have suspended flights to Israel, leaving thousands of citizens stranded at airports abroad or in various countries.
The Ministry of Transportation is now called upon to manage a complex operational and diplomatic scenario, as the resumption of flights depends not only on domestic readiness but also on decisions made by foreign governments and airlines. Efforts are already being made to cooperate with international air carriers, while the possibility of using military or charter flights remains open.
Competent authorities are asking Israelis abroad to remain in contact with the country’s diplomatic missions and to avoid non-essential travel until there is official information on return routes.
