Israel-Iran conflict makes leaving Israel difficult

Travel Weekly

a day ago

Since the war between Israel and Iran escalated on June 13, Global Rescue has been working to evacuate clients in Israel, and indications point to a shrinking window of time in which to do that, said CEO Dan Richards. He is encouraging those who wish to leave to do so soon.
Meanwhile, the Israel Ministry of Tourism said it would help travelers register for departure flights. A digital registration form is being distributed to tour operators, hotels, tour guides and other industry stakeholders. The ministry of tourism said there are approximately 38,000 visitors in Israel.
The form asks for the traveler's full name, phone number and email address. The ministry will consolidate the list in a digital vault and transfer it as needed to the National Security Headquarters and the Ministry of Transportation to coordinate flights, the ministry said.
David Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv is currently closed. Richards said border crossings to neighboring countries Jordan and Egypt have been open periodically, as has airspace in those countries (Israeli airspace is closed). Global Rescue has been taking advantage of those options to get people out.
"We urge everybody that wants to leave or that is concerned about escalation of the conflict to do it and do it now," Richards said.
The beginning of the conflict was "intense," he said, followed by a moderation over the next 36 hours or so. In that time, Global Rescue was able to extract a number of clients. But over the last 12 to 18 hours there has been an "intensification," Richards said on Tuesday.
"It's certainly not guaranteed that this window is going to stay open, and in fact we expect there to be a reduction and/or closing of this window in the not-so-distant future," Richards said.
Richards said maritime evacuations are possible if Israel allows vessels to depart its waters. Global Rescue has experience in maritime evacuations in the Middle East. However, leaving via boat "is not going to be a pleasant alternative for anybody."
In addition to helping extract clients, Global Rescue is supporting those who are opting to shelter in place.
The company is a communications hub for those on the ground, the CEO said. It also provides physical help. For instance, a client group was in a bomb shelter when an Iranian missile struck nearby. They needed assistance clearing debris and rubble to get out.
Global Rescue provides medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to companies, governments and individuals.
"We try and find the best and safest methods of getting people from the places where they are to the places that they want to go," Richards said.
To do that, Global Rescue employs an intelligence team to analyze publicly available information, as well as team members on the ground sharing proprietary information. Using a combination of those sources, Global Rescue finds the safest method to extract clients, or support them if they are sheltering in place.
The work can be complicated, especially when factoring in border crossings.
"There are all kinds of logistical considerations and potential problems that are present in prosecuting these kinds of odds," Richards said.
Global Rescue employs people on the ground who are experienced in navigating volatile and dangerous environments, according to the CEO. Most are ex-military personnel with with experience in special operations.