Israel Secretly Evacuates Civilian Aircraft

Israel has moved all civilian aircraft out of the country amid escalating tensions with Iran, according to Israeli and international media reports.

The operation was reportedly driven by concerns that Iran could launch retaliatory missile strikes targeting Israel’s aviation fleet.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s aircraft was seen stationed in Athens shortly after Israel launched a major air assault on Iranian military and nuclear sites, including the Natanz facility and Revolutionary Guard installations in Tehran and Isfahan.

Israeli Channel 13 and the Maariv newspaper revealed that national carriers, El Al, Arkia, Israir, and Air Haifa, were instructed late Thursday night to relocate all aircraft immediately to safe locations abroad, including airports in Cyprus, Greece, and the United States.

Flight tracking site Flightradar24 showed Netanyahu’s jet was quickly airborne after the attack, underscoring the high-alert status of Israel’s leadership.

The Shin Bet (Israel's internal security service) is reported to be coordinating with foreign governments to enhance security at international airports hosting Israeli aircraft.

The prevailing view within Israeli defense circles is that Iran may attempt to strike Israel’s air fleet as part of a broader retaliation strategy.

Meanwhile, Channel 12 reported that about 50,000 Israeli nationals were stranded abroad following the closure of Israel’s airspace, with estimates suggesting the number could exceed 80,000 by Sunday.