Hundreds of Israelis are quietly fleeing the country by yacht after the government ordered airlines not to let citizens leave as the war with Iran intensifies.
Yachts are departing from several marinas along the Israeli coast, including Herzliya, Haifa and Ashkelon, offering a discreet escape route to Cyprus and towards Europe.
Israeli daily Haaretz reported that groups online had formed to coordinate alternative escape routes by sea just days after Tel Aviv ordered domestic airlines to stop all outbound flights to avoid "overcrowding" at airports, sparking further anxiety and adding to the rush for alternative exit routes, including by sea.
Most of those leaving are reluctant to identify themselves but cite a lack of other options. Yacht operators say even those able to afford the luxury journey face "tough conditions" at sea.
In Herzliya’s marina, a de facto departure hub has emerged in recent days. From early morning, individuals, couples and families have been seen arriving with suitcases in tow, boarding yachts bound for Cyprus. From there, they plan to continue to destinations as far as Portugal and Italy.
Facebook groups dedicated to sea departures have ballooned, with hundreds reportedly seeking a way out. With demand soaring, some yacht owners are offering spots for fees ranging between 2,500 and 6,000 shekels. Most vessels take no more than ten passengers per trip.
The movement has spread beyond Herzliya. In Haifa and Ashkelon, small yacht owners have also begun running crossings. Israel's Population and Immigration Authority says it was unable to fully assess the scale of the exodus, but anecdotal evidence points to a growing phenomenon.
While some travellers claim to be foreign nationals returning home, many are in fact Israeli citizens. A few openly admit they were fleeing the rising threat of Iranian missile strikes, though most refuse to speak on record.
Dual citizenship is common in Israel, particularly among Jewish immigrants and their descendants. The Law of Return grants Jews worldwide the "right" to immigrate and gain Israeli citizenship without renouncing their original nationality, resulting in widespread dual or even multiple citizenships.
Many of those now leaving by yacht are dual nationals, immigrants who had retained their home country passports or Israeli-born citizens who acquired second citizenships as adults.
Countries frequently linked to dual nationality among Israelis include the United States, EU states, Russia, and Ukraine, among others with large Jewish diasporas.
One man, giving the pseudonym Adi, said he was leaving for good. "I’m moving to Portugal," he said, explaining that his partner had been living there for years and urged him to join her now.
At the marina, two men were seen loading supplies into a yacht, but declined to provide further details. Others, like Haim and his son Amir, said they had no alternative. "My son is a businessman. He's been stuck here for days. He'll sail to Larnaca and fly to Milan," Haim said. "He's not fleeing - this is just the only option."
Near another yacht preparing to depart, a father and mother waited with their adult son, who had returned from California. "Once I realised flights weren’t coming back anytime soon, I called the Ministry of Transport. They suggested going via Jordan or Sharm el-Sheikh, but I didn’t want to do that," he said.
Not everyone is prepared for the harsh conditions at sea. "The waves, the nausea - they have no idea what they’re getting into," said Moshe, a yacht captain. His colleague Yehuda added: "They’ll vomit, block the toilets, and I’ll be stuck fixing the plumbing."
Even those who agree to sail receive stern safety briefings. One crew outlined protocols for night patrols, the use of radar systems to avoid large vessels, and the location of life vests and fire extinguishers. Passengers were warned to stay hydrated and advised to bring medicine and lemons to manage seasickness.
Fares vary by vessel type and amenities, with faster yachts running on diesel completing the Cyprus crossing in about eight hours. One passenger said he was quoted 6,000 shekels (around $1,710) for a place, double the cost others had paid.
Not all yachts are properly licensed. One commercial yacht owner said some operators are charging for seats without having insurance for passengers. A company at the marina said it was running up to five yachts per day but still not enough to meet demand.
Among those waiting to board, a couple with a child quietly admitted they were fleeing the war. "We’re tired of the missiles," the couple said.