Latest Israel Security Situation and Advice to Sri Lankans

An increasing number of people are now taking shelter in urban areas. Several buildings were set on fire in Haifa and central Tel Aviv due to these attacks. On Friday night, an Iranian drone was intercepted by the Israeli Air Force off the coast of northern Israel, outside Israeli territory.

At least 31 people were injured in Haifa following a nationwide missile strike launched by Iran. Another missile hit Haifa on Friday afternoon, damaging the city's oldest and second-oldest mosques. Muslim clerics at the Al Jarina Mosque, which was built in 1761, sustained injuries during the attack.

On June 20, 2025 (yesterday), four Sri Lankans who departed Israel for Sri Lanka via Cairo Airport, using the TABA border crossing in Eilat, were subjected to prolonged questioning. The Sri Lankan Ambassador to Egypt, Mr. Sisira Seneviratne, was immediately informed and engaged in discussions with Egyptian border and security authorities.

As foreign nationals without valid Israeli visas are often subjected to lengthy interrogations and potential detention when entering Egypt, Sri Lankans without valid visas will not be repatriated via Egypt, even in emergency situations. Those without valid Israeli visas are advised to remain in place and await the reopening of Tel Aviv International Airport to travel to Sri Lanka.

A Sri Lankan who travelled to Sri Lanka via Egypt due to the death of his child has safely returned and attended the funeral yesterday.

Two individuals visited the Embassy yesterday seeking assistance and documentation to return to Sri Lanka.

Many Israelis who were stranded in nearby countries due to the week-long closure of Israel’s main airports have begun returning to the country via passenger ships and special flights operated by Israeli National Airlines and Akiya Airlines.

Sri Lankans who have worked in Israel and are currently on leave in Sri Lanka are advised to closely follow the instructions issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Foreign Employment Bureau.

Although today is a public holiday in Israel, the Embassy remains open to provide services to those intending to travel to Sri Lanka.

All Sri Lankans in Israel are urged to remain highly vigilant regarding the possibility of further attacks in urban areas and to strictly follow the safety guidelines issued by the Israeli authorities.