Ministry of Transportation considers using navy landing ships to return Israelis – IDF clarifies: Not on the table
The Israeli Ministry of Transportation reportedly considered using Navy landing ships to bring stranded Israelis home from abroad and even raised the idea during weekend discussions. However, the IDF clarified that this option is not currently under consideration, according to a Monday report by Kan Reshet Bet.
Landing ships are built to transport heavy vehicles and lack seating accommodations. According to officials familiar with the matter, such a voyage would take approximately 18 hours.
Transportation Minister Miri Regev addressed the issue during her first press conference since the war with Iran began. She said that returning Israelis via landing ships is an option, albeit a complex one. She added: “If we are unable to use the airspace as per the Defense Ministry’s guidelines, we will use the landing ships. This request is currently with the Ministry of Defense.”
As part of the efforts to bring Israelis home, the Airports Authority is expected to expand the “Safe Return” operation today, following its suspension after the U.S. strike in Iran. Outbound flights will resume from Ben Gurion Airport, and approximately 24 inbound flights are expected to arrive daily from various international destinations.
According to the operational plan, each outbound flight will carry only about 50 passengers, in keeping with safety protocols designed to limit crowding at the airport and the duration of their stay.
Yaara Shapira is a news correspondent for KAN 11.
