Over 65,000 Israelis have returned to the country since start of Iran war: minister

TEL AVIV: More than 65,000 Israelis stranded abroad due to the closure of its airspace triggered by the start of the war with Iran have returned to Israel, the country´s transport minister said on Sunday.

“As of today, more than 65,000 Israelis have returned home by sea, air and land,” said Transport Minister Miri Regev. The minister had earlier said that an estimated that between 100,000 to 150,000 people were stranded abroad when the Israeli offensive began on June 13th, prompting the closure of its airspace. The announcement comes just days after the first aircraft touched down in Israel that was ferrying home those stuck abroad.