Israeli settlers flee by yacht as Iran's strikes escalate: Haaretz

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
17 Jun 2025 01:45
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As Iranian missile strikes escalate under Operation True Promise 3, Israeli settlers are fleeing by yacht to Cyprus in costly, unregulated sea evacuations.

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Israelis sit in a shelter during sirens warning of incoming fire in Tel Aviv, early Sunday, June 15, 2025. (AP)

A growing number of Israeli settlers are fleeing the occupied Palestinian territories by yacht, heading to Cyprus to escape the ongoing Iranian missile strikes launched under Operation True Promise 3, according to a report by Haaretz published Monday.

With air travel from "Israel" still suspended, settlers have turned to maritime escape routes, joining informal and costly networks offering sea passages out of the occupied territories.

Haaretz reported that these departures are happening "secretly, without oversight, and at a cost of thousands of dollars," with many settlers stating they feel they have "no other choice."

The phenomenon spans several regions of the occupied land. Settlers are reportedly securing yachts from marinas in Herzliya, Haifa, and Askalan to reach Cyprus, and move to other destinations from there.

Escape routes span Herzliya, Haifa, and Askalan marinas

According to Haaretz, the Herzliya marina has effectively transformed into a “mini-departure terminal” in recent days. Yacht owners in Haifa and Askalan have also begun ferrying groups of settlers, with up to 10 people per vessel forming small, privately organized escape efforts.

The report added that "Israel’s" Population and Immigration Authority has been unable to assess the scope of the growing exodus.

Prices for these escape routes have surged due to increased demand. One settler told Haaretz they were charged 2,500 shekels (around $670) per person, while another was asked for 6,000 shekels (approximately $1,600). A yacht captain explained, “It’s a matter of supply and demand — if someone wants to pay, they pay.”

Iranian military warns settlers to evacuate immediately

The Haaretz revelations come after a direct warning from Iran’s armed forces on Sunday, urging settlers to evacuate the occupied territories immediately. In a statement, the Iranian military warned that the territories “will certainly become uninhabitable in the near future,” adding that bunkers “will not provide safety.”

The statement accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of “endangering their lives for personal interests” and using settlers as “human shields.” It cautioned that ignoring the warning “will only lead to harsher days ahead.”

The Iranian military emphasized its intent to launch a “comprehensive and devastating” next phase of Operation True Promise 3, targeting “all vital points within the occupied territories.” The statement concluded by affirming that Iran possesses “a full bank of targets, including sensitive sites deep inside.”