The Foreign Ministry confirmed Wednesday that a group of Israelis trapped in Lalibela, northern Ethiopia, were evacuated yesterday and today, following three days of intensive efforts.
The Israelis became stranded against the backdrop of a security escalation in the region. The rescue was made possible through coordinated action by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and the Foreign Ministry, working with Israel's embassy in Addis Ababa and relevant Ethiopian authorities. Helicopters transferred the group to a secure area, from which they will continue onward to Addis Ababa, the ministry said.
"The Foreign Ministry wishes to thank the Ethiopian authorities for their commitment to the efforts, as well as all additional parties who assisted in carrying out the rescue operation," the ministry stated. "The Foreign Ministry and Israel's embassy in Addis Ababa will continue to accompany the Israelis and assist them until their safe arrival in Addis Ababa."
