After Days in Danger, Dozens of Israelis Stranded in Ethiopia Rescued

After days of fear and efforts to get them out of the combat zone, the Israelis who were stranded in northern Ethiopia were safely rescued from the danger zone last night (Tuesday). Two helicopters were used in the rescue operation, and those evacuated were brought to a safe location. According to the plan, they are expected to return to Israel within the next day.

Rescue efforts began after the severity of the security situation in the area became clear. Over the past several days, continuous discussions were held with senior Ethiopian officials and Ethiopian Airlines, alongside work through the volunteer emergency operations center, in an effort to find a safe way to remove the Israelis from the area.

Gadi Yevarkan, chairman of the "Tzomet Beit Yisrael" list, who worked to rescue the Israelis, said: "In a special rescue operation, with the assistance of two helicopters, the Israelis were removed from the danger zone and brought to safety. According to the plan, they are expected to arrive in Israel tomorrow and return to their families."

Yevarkan added: "In moments like these, there is no politics and no camps. There is only one thing: human life and mutual responsibility. When Israelis are in danger thousands of kilometers from home, our duty is to do everything possible to bring them home safely. Behind this news are many people who worked quietly, responsibly, and with determination. Until we saw that they were on their way to safety, we could not rest."

Last Friday, the Foreign Ministry issued a travel warning for the Tigray region in northern Ethiopia, following an escalation in the security situation and the renewal of armed clashes in the region and nearby areas. The ministry recommended that Israelis avoid all travel to Tigray until further notice.