Amid ongoing missile strikes during the Iran-Israel war, frightened Israeli citizens are escaping the country via the sea. According to a report by Israeli newspaper Haaretz, many Israelis have turned to boats and yachts to flee to Cyprus after airspace was closed and flights were suspended.
The marina in Herzliya has now become a temporary departure hub, with people arriving as early as 7 a.m. to find private yachts. These boats are ferrying them to Cyprus, from where they hope to travel to other countries. Their goal is simple: to leave Israel by any means possible.
Hundreds of people have joined Facebook groups dedicated to sea escapes. Yacht owners at ports in Herzliya, Haifa, and Ashkelon are arranging group departures, often with 10 passengers per boat. While many travelers claim they are simply returning to their homes or reuniting with family abroad, a few quietly admit they are fleeing out of fear of Iranian missile attacks.
Passengers have reportedly paid between 2,500 and 6,000 Israeli shekels (roughly $700 to $1,600) per seat. Faster yachts with diesel engines can reach Cyprus in about eight hours. Some offer luxury cabins, pushing prices even higher. However, experts warn that several boats are operating without proper licenses or insurance, which poses legal and safety risks.
One couple at the port openly confessed, “We’re tired of the missiles.” As the war escalates, this unusual sea exodus shows the growing fear among civilians and the urgent desire for safety beyond Israel’s shores.