Israel's Foreign Ministry Works to Evacuate Citizens From Northern Ethiopia Amid Escalation

Following a security escalation in northern Ethiopia, Israel's Foreign Ministry is actively working to facilitate the departure of Israeli citizens from the region. The ministry is closely monitoring the situation of Israelis in the affected areas and is in contact with relevant local groups and authorities to explore all possible exit options.

Efforts are being made in coordination with local entities, with the safety and security of Israelis being the top priority. The ministry stated that it is continuously assessing departure possibilities based on ground developments and security conditions.

This action comes amid a recent intensification of fighting in the Tigray region, where Tigrayan forces and the Ethiopian federal government are nearing a wider conflict. This resurgence of violence follows the end of the Tigray War in November 2022, with ongoing disputes over territory and the implementation of the peace agreement.

Adding to the instability, seven armed Ethiopian organizations announced the formation of a "Alliance of Ethiopian Peoples' Survival Forces" earlier this month, aiming to oust Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and establish an interim government. This alliance comprises groups that have historically operated in various capacities, sometimes as rivals, now united against the central government.

Military developments in Tigray include renewed clashes and Tigrayan forces reportedly capturing airfields, disrupting air travel. These events highlight the increasing difficulty of maintaining regular movement in the area and underscore the Israeli government's focus on ensuring citizen evacuation.