British nationals in Israel have been urged to register their interest in a Government-organised flight out of the country early next week.
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office (FCDO) said: ‘This is a perilous and volatile moment for the Middle East.
‘The safety of British Nationals in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories continues to be our utmost priority – that’s why the UK Government is preparing flights to help those wanting to leave.
‘Working closely with the Israeli authorities, our staff are continuing to work at pace to assist British Nationals on the ground and ensure they receive the support they need.’
It comes after the US bombed three sites in Iran last night, further escalating tensions across the region.
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Speaking to Sky News, prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said: ‘I urge all citizens to make contact with the Foreign Office so that we can facilitate whatever support is needed.
‘And so far as Israel is concerned, just as soon as we can get charter flights off, we will do so.’
The Israeli Government says some 22,000 tourists are seeking to board evacuation flights, but it is unclear how many of these are UK citizens.
British nationals who have already registered will automatically be contacted and provided with a link to the booking portal, the FCDO said.
Those eligible for an evacuation flight will be expected to pay for their seat – and payment will be taken on registration on the flight booking form.
The FCDO added that those with ‘greatest need’ will be prioritised, and British nationals plus their non-British immediate family members travelling with them are eligible.
All passengers must hold a valid travel document, and those non-British immediate family members will require valid visas/permission to enter or remain that was granted for more than six months.
The UK has been working on charter flights for Britons in Israel but none have so far taken off as the country’s airspace has been closed.
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Business Secretary Jonathon Reynolds told Sky News on Sunday morning: ‘We are in active conversations about chartering aircraft to get people out.’
Asked if that will happen imminently, Mr Reynolds said: ‘I believe our intention would be to do that as soon as possible… hours, not days.’
The FCDO warned British nationals not to make their way to the airport unless they are contacted.
Commercial flights remain in operation from Egypt and Jordan to the UK, and international land border crossings to these countries remain open.
The FCDO said the situation ‘remains volatile’ and the Government’s ability to run flights out of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories ‘could change at short notice’.
The portal to register presence in Israel as a Briton is available here.
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