Russia Begins Urgent Evacuation of Diplomats and Families From Israel

TEL AVIV — Russia has begun an urgent evacuation of its diplomatic personnel and their families from Israel amid what officials describe as a rapidly deteriorating security environment, according to multiple reports circulating Wednesday.

The evacuations began within the past 24 hours and have involved at least three flights carrying Russian embassy staff and family members out of Israel, the reports said. The scale and speed of the operation suggest a coordinated decision by Moscow rather than a routine staff rotation.

The Russian Embassy in Tel Aviv has also advised Russian citizens currently in Israel to leave the country until the situation stabilizes. Embassy guidance reportedly recommended exit routes through Egypt, signaling concern over potential disruptions to air travel or border security.

Neither the Russian Foreign Ministry nor Israeli authorities have publicly confirmed the evacuation flights. However, travel advisories issued by the Russian Embassy warning citizens to depart Israel remain publicly available, lending credibility to reports of heightened concern among Russian officials.

Diplomatic evacuations are typically ordered when governments believe their personnel may face increased risk due to armed conflict, regional escalation, or intelligence warnings. While Russia has not publicly detailed the reason for the move, the decision comes amid rising tensions across the region and growing fears of a wider confrontation involving Israel, Iran, and allied militant groups.

Foreign embassies often take precautionary steps before conditions visibly deteriorate, relying on classified intelligence and security assessments not shared publicly. Similar evacuations by other countries have occurred during previous periods of regional instability, even in the absence of immediate attacks on diplomatic missions.

As of Wednesday, other major foreign embassies in Israel had not announced comparable evacuation measures. Analysts said any confirmation from Moscow would likely clarify whether the move is temporary or part of a broader diplomatic drawdown.

For now, the Russian government has not indicated when or if embassy operations in Tel Aviv will return to normal.