Stranded Israelis return home as Tehran claims it shot down an Israeli Hermes drone
March 5, 2026: Amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East, the first two repatriation flights carrying Israeli citizens stranded overseas landed in Tel Aviv on Thursday. The flights arrived at Ben Gurion Airport after Israel shut its airspace earlier this week following joint strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Although the airport remains closed to regular commercial operations, authorities have begun facilitating special flights to bring citizens back home.
Thousands of Israelis had been stranded abroad after commercial flights were suspended due to the rapid escalation of hostilities across the region. The government initiated repatriation arrangements to ensure the safe return of its citizens, prioritising those stuck in countries with limited travel options following the airspace closure.
Meanwhile, Iranian forces claimed they shot down a Hermes drone over the city of Qasr-e Shirin in Kermanshah Province, according to reports by Tasnim News Agency. The reported interception adds to the intensifying military confrontation between Iran and Israel, with both sides exchanging accusations and military actions as tensions continue to rise.