TEL AVIV – Growing fears of Iranian missile strikes have triggered panic among Israeli citizens, prompting many to flee the country by sea using risky routes toward Cyprus. According to a report published by Dawn, hundreds of Israeli citizens are gathering at ports such as Herzliya, Haifa, and Ashkelon, seeking boats to escape the country. Herzliya port, in particular, has turned into a makeshift terminal, with people arriving as early as 7 AM—some alone, others in pairs or with families—dragging suitcases and desperately looking for boats headed to Cyprus.
As flights remain suspended due to ongoing conflict, the demand for sea travel has surged. The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that many people who want to leave the country due to the war with Iran are left with no option but to attempt dangerous sea voyages.
So far, the Israeli Immigration Authority has not been able to estimate how many people have already left. Some passengers claimed they were not residents and were simply returning home, while others said they were leaving to reunite with their families. However, only a few openly admitted that fear of Iranian missile attacks had pushed them to flee. Most passengers refused to speak openly with reporters.
In Jaffa, a group of retired seamen gathered at the Abulafia Bakery. One of them, Captain Moshe, said, “Sailing to Cyprus in small boats is not something everyone can handle. Do you even realize how terrifying this can be?” He explained that while the journey isn’t necessarily dangerous, those unfamiliar with the sea might regret their decision the moment they face rough waves or sea sickness.
Meanwhile, some boat captains were seen briefing passengers about basic safety measures. One captain told a group of six serious-looking travelers, “We’ll take turns staying on watch at night.” Passengers were also instructed to bring lemons and essential medicines and were told that if they feel nauseated, they should vomit over the back deck to avoid wind-blown mess.
Reports revealed that some passengers paid as much as 2,500 shekels for the trip, while others claimed they were charged up to 6,000 shekels. “It’s all a matter of supply and demand,” one traveler said. However, concerns are growing as not all boats appear to be operating legally, with some private owners accepting money despite lacking transport insurance.
This unprecedented wave of sea-bound migration paints a disturbing picture of fear and uncertainty gripping Israeli society amid escalating regional tensions.