- Indian nationals in Israel are advised to stay near designated shelters and know nearby safe spaces
- The Indian Embassy urges vigilance and adherence to Israeli safety guidelines amid regional tensions
- Multiple blasts occurred in Tehran following preventive strikes by Israel and the US on Iran
Indian nationals in Israel have been advised to stay close to designated shelters and ensure they are familiar with the nearest protected spaces around their homes or workplaces. This comes after Israel and the United States on Saturday launched a "preventative attack" on Iran.
The Embassy of India in Israel has issued a fresh advisory urging Indian nationals in Israel to remain on high alert amid the prevailing security situation in the region.
Multiple blasts were reported in the Iranian capital on Saturday.
In an official statement, the embassy asked Indian citizens to exercise utmost caution and maintain constant vigilance. It strongly advised them to strictly follow all safety guidelines and instructions issued by the Israeli authorities, including the Home Front Command, which is responsible for civilian emergency preparedness.
Updated instructions may be accessed at: https://oref.org.il/eng.
“All Indian nationals should remain in close proximity to designated shelters and familiarize themselves with the nearest protected spaces in their area of residence or work. Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential and unnecessary travel within Israel until further notice,” the Embassy said.
The embassy encouraged Indians living in the country to regularly monitor local news channels, official government announcements and emergency alerts for the latest updates. Updated safety instructions issued by the Israeli authorities can be accessed through official online platforms.
“In case of any emergency, Indian nationals may contact the Embassy of India, Tel Aviv, through the 24x7 helpline: Telephone: +972-54-7520711; E-mail: cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in,” it said. “The Embassy remains closely engaged with the relevant authorities and will continue to issue updates as necessary,” the advisory concluded.
At the Tel Aviv airport, travellers waiting to check in for an Air India flight AI 140 to New Delhi were forced to abandon their luggage and sprint towards bomb shelters after an alert was sounded. One passenger told news agency PTI that officials instructed everyone to leave their belongings behind and move to safety without delay.
Air India Spokesperson said, "AI139 operating from Delhi to Tel Aviv on 28 February is returning to India due to the closure of airspace in Israel and in the interest of the safety of passengers and crew. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this unforeseen situation and remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety. We will continue to assess the safety and security environment for our flight operations and adjust operations proactively as needed."
IndiGo has also issued travel advisory in wake of the situation in Iran. In a statement, the low-cost air carrier said, “We are closely monitoring regional updates concerning Iran and its airspace. The safety and security of our customers and crew remain our highest priority. Our teams stand prepared to implement any necessary adjustments as the situation evolves.”
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