As a public service to fellow members of FlyerTalk:

• The original discussion back in 2006 to which the Dovster referred: FlyerTalk scoops the world with news report!
• Discussion of what is currently going on in Israel and surrounding areas for those who have earned access to the OMNI/PR forum: Hamas - Israel conflict

In addition, various airline forums on FlyerTalk include the latest travel alerts pertaining to Tel Aviv.

Unlike what happened in 2006, the Army has ordered all communities near the Northern border to be evacuated. I am currently in my daughter's house which is considerably further south. I do not know if I m any safer here as she, her husband, and their daughter all have Corona right now.

We are presently deciding what to do as it is one of our most difficult situations we have ever faced. Last two conflicts, my wife was ready to turn around and head back to USA when I reminded her that this was our home. The order of magnitude of this war has flipped us. I believe that the level of destruction and mayhem headed our way will exceed anything Israel has experienced in the last 50 years. While we would be spared the brunt of it here in Central Tel Aviv, my job as a parent to try to keep my family and protected as possible. Leaving for a little bit while the conflict occurs is not failure or giving up - its pragmatism for a family who does not have a direct role in the conflict. Regardless, we are not unified on our decision and will not go anywhere until we both agree on the proper course of action. I do not have good answers only miles and points that only work if there are planes flying with available seats.

As for those trying to find their way home, few international airlines will continue flying here. If you book on a non-Israeli airline, book a backup on ElAl, Arkia, or Israir. Please remember to cancel the flight if you do not use it. They all have relaxed change/cancellation policies in effect right now. Dan's Deals has a useful thread for finding flights out of tlv. My method is a bit simpler, but based upon a similar approach.

https://oldmatrix.itasoftware.com or https://matrix.itasoftware.com then use each of the following. Do note that there is some overlap.
LY Destination
IZ Destination
6H Destinations
TUS, Smartwings, and Pegasus were the next best after the Israeli airlines, but I am not current on their cancellations today.
[MENTION=22696]Dovster[/MENTION] stay healthy and strong. Thank you to the friends who have reached out here and elsewhere to check in on me & my family. We are blessed to have a great community around us and also blessed to have been spared much of the horror that you see retold on social media and cable news.

Praying for safety for you all and for all in the region. Thank you for the updates. I remember the last time in 2006 and was very grateful for the news. May you have much wisdom in making decisions.

Around a half hour ago, the peace of the last 36 hours in Tel Aviv was broken. We had the heaviest rocket barrage in 10 years. 15-20 minutes later, another heavy attack. Now, all is quiet again.

I hope you and family looking to fly out.....I see you know those airlines coming in and out of TLV. Praying for you all over there.

Oh no!
Praying for your safety Dov....you and family be careful. The news coming our way is not good and I guess a few airlines are evacuating people. Read over your 2006 report and guess I am glad Dementia not with you this time....or is she? Wherever I hope she is safe and well too.

Thanks for the update Dov, glad to hear you are "safe".

Dovster, I found out about this thread on the one in bad Omni when I asked about you. Glad you and the others in the region are safe so far. Hoping you stay that way.

I personally am a fan of Corona. But no fan of COVID. Hopefully your family heals up, and tell them to get some better beer. I'll send you some good local central Oregon brew if that helps! Stay safe!

Stay safe, Dov (and others who might be in harm's way).

Stay safe, all.

Stay safe Dov.

Stay safe.
Dumb question, what is their reasoning for evacuating the northern border when the fighting is in the south? Are they worried about attacks from other countries? And are they evacuating all border areas?

I will not get any details (others can do it in Bad Omni) but there is a possibility that Hezbollah will attack Israel. That is why the northern communities, especially the smaller ones, were evacuated.