Fact Check: "Ben Gurion Airport and all Israeli seaports remain closed during the conflict."
What We Know
The claim that "Ben Gurion Airport and all Israeli seaports remain closed during the conflict" is based on various security alerts issued by the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. A recent alert dated June 17, 2025, stated that "Ben Gurion Airport remains closed, and there are no commercial or charter flights operating from there. Seaports in Israel are also closed" (source-1). This alert was issued in the context of escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, prompting a security response that included the closure of key transportation hubs.
However, another alert from October 9, 2023, indicates that "Ben Gurion International Airport remains open, but some flights have been reduced or suspended" (source-2). This suggests that while operations may be limited, the airport is not entirely closed. Furthermore, the alert mentions that U.S. carriers had temporarily suspended flights to Israel, but it does not confirm a complete shutdown of the airport.
Analysis
The conflicting information from the U.S. Embassy alerts raises questions about the current operational status of Ben Gurion Airport and Israeli seaports. The June 17 alert clearly states that both the airport and seaports are closed, which aligns with the heightened security measures due to the conflict (source-1). However, the October 9 alert contradicts this by confirming that Ben Gurion Airport is operational, albeit with reduced flight availability (source-2).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they come from the U.S. Embassy, which is a credible authority on security matters for U.S. citizens abroad. However, the discrepancy in the alerts suggests that the situation is fluid and subject to rapid changes. The June alert reflects a specific moment in time during a heightened state of conflict, while the October alert indicates a return to some level of normalcy, albeit with caution.
Conclusion
The claim that "Ben Gurion Airport and all Israeli seaports remain closed during the conflict" is False. While there was a period during which both the airport and seaports were indeed closed, current information indicates that Ben Gurion Airport is operational, albeit with limited flights, and there is no confirmation that all Israeli seaports are closed. The situation is dynamic, and travelers should verify the latest updates from reliable sources.
Sources
- Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem (June 17, 2025)
- Security Alert #5: Information on Flight Availability from Ben Gurion ...
- Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem (June 16, 2025)
- Ben Gurion shut until further notice; Israeli airlines evacuate fleets ...
- 'We're Stuck': Israelis Abroad Scramble for Answers After Ben Gurion ...
- Israel's Airport Shuts Down, Airspace ClosesβWhat It Means for U.S ...
- Ben Azelart - YouTube
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