Israelis banned from leaving the country

Israel has banned its citizens from leaving the country.

“At this stage, we will not allow Israelis to travel abroad. Only tourists, businesspeople, and diplomats returning to their countries will be able to leave — and not yet,” said Israel’s Minister of Transport Miri Regev.

Yesterday, it was reported that airlines are prohibited from boarding local residents even on evacuation flights. There are virtually no alternative routes: no railway or ferry connections with neighboring countries, and land borders are open only to holders of foreign passports.

The official explanation is “to prevent crowding at airports and to ensure passenger safety.”