In preparation for a potential strike on Iran prior to a ceasefire agreement, Israel has secretly relocated a significant portion of its strategic aircraft fleet from Ben Gurion Airport to bases in Greece, the Greek Cypriot Administration (GCAC), and the United States.
As tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East, strategic moves made by Israel ahead of a possible air campaign against Iran have come to light. According to diplomatic sources and international media reports, a substantial part of the aircraft stationed at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv has been quietly transferred to military bases in Greece, Cyprus, and the U.S. to shield them from potential attacks.
Operation Accelerated by Houthi Threat
After the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen explicitly threatened Ben Gurion Airport, Israel began seeking alternative bases to protect its military and civilian air fleets. Greece and the GCAC offered unconditional support, opening their airspace and bases for the landing and temporary deployment of Israeli aircraft.
Netanyahu’s Plane Landed in Athens
On June 13, amid escalating tensions and growing concerns over Iranian retaliation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plane was reported by international media to have landed in Athens. According to Flightradar24 data, the aircraft circled over the Mediterranean for an extended period before making its descent. Israeli officials declined to comment on the flight route.
Regev and Zakai Coordinated Key Operation
According to Israeli media, the relocation of aircraft from Ben Gurion was coordinated by Transport Minister Miri Regev and former Civil Aviation Authority head Shmuel Zakai. The operation was reportedly carried out within the framework of close regional cooperation with Greece and Cyprus.
Thousands of Civilians Also Relocated to Cyprus
Due to the increasingly volatile conditions in the region, around 5,000 Israeli civilians—many of them students and families—have relocated to the Greek Cypriot south. Local educational institutions, yacht clubs, and hotels have been repurposed as temporary shelters. The number of evacuees has reportedly approached 6,500.
Additionally, between 1,500 and 2,800 young Israelis participating in the Birthright program were evacuated to Cyprus via cruise ships.
Official Greek Statement: 141 Evacuated
The Greek government officially confirmed that 141 individuals were evacuated under its authority. Most of them were Greek nationals and were evacuated through land and air corridors established via Egypt. Despite some sources suggesting higher figures, the Greek government verified this total.
