In an unprecedented move, the Israeli Ministry of Transportation has announced the implementation of a maritime shuttle service to facilitate the return of Israeli citizens from abroad. This initiative comes in response to the current security situation and widespread flight cancellations affecting travel to and from Israel.
Transportation Minister Miri Regev issued the directive following a comprehensive situation assessment. The maritime shuttle system will operate in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, offering Israelis a swift and secure route back to their homeland.
"This maritime shuttle service represents our unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of all Israeli citizens, regardless of their location," Minister Regev stated. "It's a crucial step in ensuring our people can return home safely and expeditiously during these challenging times."
The initiative supplements an earlier request to the Ministry of Defense for the allocation of Hercules transport aircraft to run shuttles from Cyprus. Israeli citizens abroad interested in utilizing this service are advised to contact their local Israeli embassy or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hotline for registration details, departure schedules, and port information.
Moshe Ben-Zaken, Director General of the Ministry of Transportation, emphasized the urgency of the operation: "Following the Minister's instructions, we've worked tirelessly with all relevant parties to develop this solution. We anticipate returning hundreds of citizens to Israel as early as next week."
Both the Transportation and Foreign Affairs ministries are coordinating efforts to ensure the safe repatriation of all Israeli citizens. They urge the public to remain vigilant and stay informed through official channels as the situation develops.
* Channel 12 contributed to this article.