Israel Evacuates Citizens From War-Torn Ethiopia

Israel is conducting an urgent evacuation of its citizens from a war zone in northern Ethiopia. On Tuesday, 36 Israelis were extracted from conflict-affected areas. Four more, who were in the city of Lalibela, were airlifted to safety on Wednesday.

Several days prior, approximately 20 Israelis, primarily tourists including elderly individuals, became stranded in Lalibela due to clashes between Ethiopian federal forces and rebels. Airports in the region are closed, and roads are dangerous due to fighting, checkpoints, and the risk of attacks. The city is experiencing power outages and limited supplies of fuel, food, and cash.

Those trapped reported hearing gunfire and explosions on the outskirts, though the situation within Lalibela remained relatively calm. The group is now in a secure location and will proceed to Addis Ababa. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude to Ethiopian authorities and all involved in the rescue operation for their cooperation.

Earlier, the ministry had reported "feverish efforts" to arrange safe passage for citizens. Israelis were advised against attempting independent departures from dangerous areas, urged to follow local authorities' instructions, and maintain contact with the embassy in Addis Ababa. The ministry also advised against travel to Ethiopia.

The current escalation is part of a conflict that began in November 2020 in the northern Tigray region. After two years of fighting, a truce was reached in 2022, but hostilities resumed in the fall of 2026. On September 23, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) launched a major offensive, capturing several airports in Tigray. The TPLF has been joined by several armed groups, forming an alliance aiming to remove Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government and establish a transitional administration.