Israeli media reports that several ports in Israel have turned into departure points for private sea crossings, on board an increasing number of Israelis – including whole families – flee the country because of the war between Israel and Iran.
This situation occurs while Iranian missiles continue, in parallel with Israeli strikes targeting Tehran and several sites in Iran.
According to a local daily newspaper, the port of Herzliya has become a refuge in recent days for many Israelis. They go there by tens, suitcases by hand, looking for yachts to lead them to Cyprus, before possibly continuing to other destinations. This phenomenon is amplified by the suspension of commercial flights, due to the ongoing strikes.
On social networks, groups relay similar leakage plans. Hundreds of people plan to leave the land occupied by sea, despite the very high cost of these crossings, motivated by the growing fear of Iranian missiles, which aim in particular Tel Aviv, Haifa and other areas of the center of the country.
The Israeli-Iranian war entered its fifth day, marked by intense exchanges of missile strikes between the two camps. In recent days, Iranian attacks have caused significant material damage in several buildings around Tel Aviv and in the city of Haifa.
Reciprocal strikes have already killed dozens and hundreds of injured on both sides. On the Israeli side, the first estimates report 24 to 27 civilians killed, as well as at least 500 injured following Iranian strikes. In Iran, the Ministry of Health has announced a provisional assessment of at least 224 dead and more than a thousand injured, according to official data.