Naif Zaidani, Haifa, newarab.com

Hundreds of Israelis, many with dual citizenship, are secretly fleeing the country by yacht as missile strikes intensify and airport restrictions block travel.

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.

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