Prague - The Czech Republic successfully evacuated its citizens from Israel, which is in the midst of an armed conflict with Iran, this morning. A government special with 66 passengers landed safely at Prague's Kbel airport. The return of the citizens was announced by Defence Minister Jana Černochová (ODS) via the social network X.

According to the Defense Ministry, the evacuation was necessary due to the heightened security situation and the closure of Israeli airspace. Commercial flights have not been flying from Israel since Friday, so the Czech government had to arrange repatriation by its own means. "Our citizens are back home and safe. Thank you to everyone who participated in the event," said Minister Černochová.

The situation in the Middle East has escalated dramatically in recent days. Fighting between Israel and Iran escalated after Tehran responded to Israeli attacks on its diplomatic facilities in Syria. Tensions are also rising in northern Israel, where clashes with Hezbollah are escalating. Carriers, including Czech Airlines, have cancelled flights on the Prague-Tel Aviv route due to the airspace closure. This has left many Czechs in Israel without the possibility of a quick return. According to the authorities, evacuation by special government aircraft was the safest solution.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends all Czech citizens who are still in Israel to contact the Czech Embassy in Tel Aviv as soon as possible and register in the DROZD system. It also urges caution and monitoring of the current situation through official channels. The government does not rule out further repatriation flights if necessary. Similar measures are already being taken by other EU countries that are withdrawing their citizens from the area threatened by the escalation of the conflict.

gnews.cz - GH