By KTA News Team |
Update June 20: the Israeli Ministry of Transport, in coordination with the Population and Immigration Authority and the Prime Minister’s Office, is working on a revised framework that would allow Israeli citizens to exit the country without the need to submit an Exceptions Committee form.
The intent is to eliminate discrimination between tourists, diplomats, and Israeli nationals seeking to depart the country by air or sea. There are currently no blanket restrictions on soldiers leaving the country. On the contrary, during times of conflict, it is common in Israel for reservists and active-duty soldiers abroad to voluntarily return and join their units. This reflects a deeply rooted national commitment and a collective sense of responsibility that is unique to Israeli society.
Published on June 19: The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office recently announced the establishment of a new Exceptions Committee that will review all requests from Israeli citizens wishing to leave the country via evacuation flights.
This decision follows heightened security concerns and aims to reduce non-essential civilian movement. The committee, composed of representatives from the Ministries of Transportation and Foreign Affairs, the National Emergency Authority, the Home Front Command, and the Population and Immigration Authority, will determine whether a traveler’s circumstances justify immediate departure from Israel.
In practice, this means that any Israeli citizen seeking to leave the country must now prove that their travel is essential and urgent. Travel for leisure, non-critical business, or personal convenience will not suffice.
Travel of Foreign Natioals Out of Israel
In contrast, foreign nationals and tourists holding non-Israeli passports (not including Israeli dual nationals) are not required to obtain special approval. Instead, they are subject to a basic document check, typically requiring a one-way ticket and verification that the flight is part of an organized evacuation. Airlines operating evacuation flights have been instructed to reserve 10–15% of their seats for Israeli citizens with approved exceptional circumstances. A dedicated call center has also been established, staffed by dozens of agents to handle requests on short notice.
Another option for foreign nationals departure is through the land crossings to Jordan and Egypt. From there, the foreign nationals typically fly out from Aqaba or Amman (Jordan), or Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt). Note that Israel’s National Security Council has issued a Level 4 travel warning—the highest level—advising against travel through both Jordan and Sinai. While this guidance is aimed primarily at Israeli nationals, it reflects the general security concerns affecting movement in the region.
At present, Israel’s airspace remains closed to commercial flights, making land evacuation the only viable option. Additionally, Jordanian and Egyptians entry rules vary depending on nationality and the specific border crossing. In some cases, a visa must be secured in advance through the Jordanian consulate in Israel.
Public Critisism Againt the Policy
At the same time, this policy has faced criticism from both the public and legal experts. The “Open Skies” advocacy group sent a formal letter to the Ministry of Transportation and the Attorney General, arguing that this directive infringes on the fundamental right to leave the country—a right protected under Israel’s Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty. According to the letter, it is inappropriate for a governmental body to block freedom of movement without a formal declaration of a state of emergency.
The current situation presents significant challenges not only for individuals but also for airlines, consular authorities, and legal professionals handling emergency travel cases. While the policy aims to protect public safety and ensure internal stability, it may soon face judicial review, especially as more reports emerge of denied requests that appear legitimate. The case highlights a deep tension between national security needs and the protection of basic civil liberties. This is not merely a legal issue—it is a broader public debate about the limits of government authority during emergency situations.
How Kan-Tor & Acco Can Help
Kan-Tor & Acco has extensive experience assisting both Israeli and foreign nationals in emergency situations, particularly in matters involving international travel, exit permits, communication with state authorities, and the urgent processing of legal documentation.
In light of the new regulations, our firm is prepared to assist in submitting applications to the Exceptions Committee, crafting case-specific legal arguments, gathering supporting evidence, and advancing urgent matters with the relevant governmental bodies. We also coordinate directly with embassies, airlines, and decision-makers to help streamline the process and prevent unnecessary denials. In times of regulatory uncertainty, professional legal guidance can be the difference between a successful departure and an unexpected delay.
We strongly recommend that individuals planning to leave Israel check the most current official guidelines and consult with legal professionals specializing in immigration and public law. Careful planning, thorough documentation, and informed legal support are critical to ensuring your rights are protected—even in challenging times.
