Israelis Rescued by Helicopter from Ethiopia Amidst Security Escalation

A group of Israelis stranded in Lalibela, northern Ethiopia, have been successfully evacuated by helicopter after three days of intensive efforts by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The rescue operation, coordinated by Foreign Minister G Gideon Saar, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Israeli Embassy in Addis Ababa, involved negotiations and cooperation with Ethiopian authorities.

The evacuated Israelis were transferred to a secure area and are expected to continue their journey to Addis Ababa. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude to the Ethiopian authorities and other parties who assisted in the operation, and the embassy and ministry will continue to support the group until their safe arrival in the capital.

Earlier this week, approximately 20 Israelis and 30 foreign nationals were reported to be trapped in Lalibela due to renewed fighting between government forces and armed militias. The security situation led to the suspension of flights in the region, while overland travel was deemed too dangerous, effectively cutting off escape routes.

Those stranded also reported disruptions in electricity supply and a shortage of cash. The escalating conflict has been linked to the collapse of a 2022 peace agreement and the formation of an alliance of armed groups opposing the central government. Additionally, another group of about 20 Israelis was reported to be stranded en route from the Tigray region, with their exact location unconfirmed.