NYN | News
The Israeli newspaper Haaretz has confirmed an escalating wave of settlers fleeing Israel by sea, in an unprecedented scene that reflects the scale of fear triggered by Iranian attacks amid a complete airspace shutdown due to the ongoing war.
In a report published yesterday, the paper stated that Israeli ports—most notably Herzliya Marina—have turned into secret departure points for a rapidly increasing maritime migration to Cyprus, and from there to safer destinations for Jews.
According to the report, the exodus begins in the early morning hours, with fleeing individuals dragging their luggage along the docks in search of a yacht to take them away from the escalating conflict.
The newspaper added that Facebook groups dedicated to this form of migration are witnessing high levels of activity, with testimonies confirming that hundreds of people are participating in attempts to flee by sea.
These trips are organized by owners of small yachts, often carrying groups of no more than ten passengers, departing from ports such as Herzliya, Haifa, and Ashkelon.
Some passengers openly admitted they were “fleeing from imminent danger,” in reference to Iranian missile strikes.
The report noted that the cost of fleeing by sea varies significantly, with some passengers paying around 2,500 shekels per person (over $700), while in some cases prices reached 6,000 shekels (over $1,700), depending on the type of boat, level of comfort, and sailing speed.
The newspaper also pointed out that some of these operations are being conducted illegally.
Maritime traffic data has shown unusual activity between Israeli and Cypriot coasts.
Meanwhile, Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev announced during a press conference that Israelis will not be allowed to leave the country at this stage, in a move seen as an attempt to restrict foreign travel out of fear of a mass settler exodus.
