Israelis Evacuated by Helicopter From Northern Ethiopia Amidst Renewed Fighting

A group of Israelis stranded in Lalibela, located in Ethiopia's northern Amhara region, were evacuated by helicopter on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the successful operation, which comes as fighting has resumed in Ethiopia, raising fears of a new civil war, according to Kan News. The stranded Israelis had reported that air travel in Lalibela had ceased, with no flights operating from the local airport. Travel to the capital, Addis Ababa, by road was deemed too perilous due to ongoing combat, the presence of armed militias and bandits, and disorganized checkpoints.

The evacuation was facilitated through three days of intensive efforts by Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, Israeli diplomatic services, and the Israeli embassy in Addis Ababa. These teams worked closely with Ethiopian authorities to arrange the departure of the travelers. Helicopters transported the group to a secure location, from which they are expected to continue their journey to the capital. The exact number of individuals evacuated was not disclosed by the ministry.

Israeli authorities expressed gratitude to their Ethiopian counterparts for their cooperation, as well as to other parties involved in the operation. The ministry and the embassy stated they would continue to assist the travelers until their safe arrival in Addis Ababa.