Israeli citizens are increasingly leaving Israel and arriving in Greece as escalating conflict and security fears disrupt daily life across the country.
At Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos, arrivals from Israel are steadily increasing, with many passengers describing constant air raid sirens, missile threats, and drone alerts forcing residents into shelters multiple times a day.
Recent violence has intensified concerns. A missile strike in Tel Aviv killed two people on Tuesday, while fragments from an Iranian missile landed near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem days earlier. Meanwhile, Hezbollahtargeted the Palmachim airbase in central Israel.
According to reports from Orange Press Agency, many Israelis arriving in Athens express hope for peace, while others voice support for the policies of Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump despite the fragile situation.
Flight disruptions have added to the chaos. In a single day, 23 flights from the Middle East—mainly from Tel Aviv and Haifa—were canceled, leaving hundreds stranded at airports.
Passengers describe a tense and unpredictable environment. One traveler from Jerusalem said sirens sound constantly, forcing people to run to safe rooms. He added that he paid a high price to secure a flight out after his original booking was canceled.
Residents report similar experiences across the country, with northern regions facing heavier rocket fire from Hezbollah. Many families are now trying to arrange departures as uncertainty grows.
The conflict has also severely affected economic activity. A resident of central Israel said daily life has “frozen,” with schools closed and much of the workforce inactive.
He described having to stop his car and lie on the ground during a missile attack. Although food supplies remain stable, frequent alerts—every two to three hours—continue to fuel anxiety among civilians.
Mixed Reactions Among Citizens
Despite the situation, some citizens remain calm and supportive of government actions. One traveler noted that while shelter visits occur once or twice daily, life otherwise continues relatively normally.
He credited Israel’s “Iron Dome” defence system for intercepting most incoming missiles and expressed confidence in national leadership, while still hoping for a peaceful resolution.
For many residents of Tel Aviv, the threat of ballistic missiles has become part of everyday life. One young traveler departing for the United States said most missiles are intercepted, but falling debris remains a concern.
He expressed hope of returning to Israel after the war, emphasizing that many citizens still plan to continue their lives there despite the ongoing conflict.
