cruise lines out of israel

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Cruise from Haifa, Israel

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Haifa Shore Excursions

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Star of the Sea

Three cable cars in Haifa, Israel

Take the cable car up to Mt Carmel (546 meters) and enjoy the magnificent views. Visit the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery, Latin for "Star of the Sea." Admire the church's beautifully painted ceiling and dome. Stretching back to the Crusader era, the monks originally inhabited the mountain caves.

Romantic Quarter

Stroll around the picturesque, restored German Colony at the foot of the Baha'i Gardens. German Templars who came to establish a Christian community here built the houses in the 19th century. Cruise to Israel to admire the pretty stone houses, browse the little shops, and meet the locals in the lively cafes.

Local Cuisine

Fill up for your Haifa adventure with some burekas , a crispy phyllo dough pastry often filled with vegetables, spices and cheese. Enjoy Middle Eastern fare like falafel wraps slathered in tahini sauce or lamb shawarma brightened up with herbaceous parsley in the Wadi Nisnas or Hadar neighborhoods. For desert, taste sweet baklava , with layers of flaky pastry and pistachio sweetened with honey, or knefah , a light cheesecake soaked in sweet syrup.

Haifa's largest shopping mall is the Grand Canyon and includes over 200 designer and boutique shops. In the Haifa Flea Market, you can find vintage and secondhand items, including handmade silver and gold jewelry. During your Israel cruise, look for decorative plates and ceramics hand-painted with traditional geometric patterns or Holy Land-themed designs.

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A visit to Israel — the “land of milk and honey” — is even more bountiful on a Holland America Line cruise. Calls in Ashdod and Haifa offer the chance to walk through Jerusalem’s Old City, paying homage at the Western Wall and Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. Ashdod also provides access to UNESCO-designated Tel Aviv and the Dead Sea, while Haifa leads to Galilee and the Golan Heights. Take full advantage on an Israel overland adventure that combines Jerusalem with pilgrimages to Masada or Bethlehem.

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Israel, of all places, is about to be one of the world's biggest cruise hubs

Israel , of all places, is about to become one of the world's biggest hubs for cruising -- at least for a month or two.

In an unexpected move, cruise giant Royal Caribbean on Monday announced it would deploy its newest vessel -- the 4,198-passenger Odyssey of the Seas -- to the country starting in May for cruises to the Mediterranean.

Assuming the voyages go ahead as planned, Odyssey of the Seas will be only the second Royal Caribbean ship to begin operating anywhere in the world since the coronavirus pandemic brought a halt to cruising in March 2020. It also likely will be one of just a handful of cruise ships sailing anywhere in the world in May. That'll catapult Israel into the ranks of the world's leading cruise hubs for at least a brief period of time.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter.

Most major cruise lines have canceled all or most of their sailings worldwide through at least June.

Royal Caribbean's announcement comes just a day after Israel's fastest-in-the-world COVID-19 vaccine campaign reached a significant milestone with more than 50% of the population vaccinated for the illness. Almost 90% of Israelis over the age of 50 have been fully vaccinated.

By contrast, only about 7.5% of the U.S. population has been fully vaccinated. About 15% of the U.S. population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Israel's rapid vaccination of its population is allowing the country to loosen coronavirus-related restrictions sooner than many other places, making activities such as cruising possible again. The country has launched a "green passport" system that lets vaccinated citizens have access to gyms, hotels, theaters and other indoor venues.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

"Thanks to the millions of vaccines we have brought, I am proud that Israel will be the first country in the world to launch Royal Caribbean's new flagship," Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday in a statement. "Royal Caribbean's decision to come to Israel is a significant expression of confidence in our policy."

Royal Caribbean said the voyages out of Israel initially would be open only to residents of Israel.

"We are thrilled to debut Royal Caribbean cruises from Israel with our newest and most innovative ship, Odyssey of the Seas," Royal Caribbean president and CEO Michael Bayley said in a statement. "Israeli travelers will be looking to get away, relax with total peace of mind, and enjoy the travel experiences they are missing dearly; and that is what we do best."

Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean

Using the port of Haifa, Israel, as a base, Royal Caribbean plans a range of three- to seven-night voyages from the country through the summer that feature stops in the Greek Isles and Cyprus.

The trips will be notable on several levels. For starters, they will mark the first voyages ever for Royal Caribbean out of Israel, which traditionally has not been a hub for cruising.

Odyssey of the Seas also will be the biggest cruise ship ever to sail from Israel. At around 169,300 tons, Odyssey of the Seas will be the world's 13th largest cruise ship when it debuts.

Related: Royal Caribbean's six types of ships, explained

But perhaps more notably, the deployment is just the latest sign that the initial return to cruising at many lines will feature voyages in unexpected places as progress in vaccinating populations and reducing COVID-19 case counts proceeds at different rates around the world.

Royal Caribbean, the world's largest cruise line, is best known for cruises in the Caribbean , Europe and Alaska . But so far, the only place in the world where it has been able to resume cruising is Asia, out of the port of Singapore. With new COVID-19 cases near zero in Singapore, the line launched new cruises out of the city-state in December with a single ship, Quantum of the Seas. The voyages only are open to local Singaporean residents.

Quantum of the Seas had been scheduled to spend the coming summer sailing in Alaska, but Royal Caribbean recently announced it would remain in Singapore for the summer to continue with the voyages for local Singapore residents.

Related: The Alaska cruise season may be over before it even begins

The new Royal Caribbean ship that will be sailing out of Israel, Odyssey of the Seas, had been scheduled to begin sailing out of Civitavecchia, Italy (the port for Rome) in May on Mediterranean voyages that were aimed at Americans just as much as Europeans. But with U.S. travel to many European countries still restricted due to the coronavirus pandemic, such voyages are looking less viable -- at least for the early part of summer.

Under construction since early 2019 at a shipyard in Germany and due for delivery to Royal Caribbean in the coming weeks, Odyssey of the Seas was named one of the nine most anticipated new cruise ships of the year by TPG.

While not quite as big as Royal Caribbean's record-breaking Symphony of the Seas (the world's largest cruise ship ), Odyssey of the Seas will have all the trappings of a major megaresort, including multiple pool areas, a kiddie aqua park and such amusements as a sky-diving simulator, a surfing simulator and a bumper car pavilion. It'll offer a something-for-everyone array of cabin classes that range from tiny, 166-square-foot "inside" cabins without a window to massive, two-deck-high Royal Loft Suites that are nearly 10 times that size.

In restarting cruising in the Mediterranean with its newest ship, Royal Caribbean is following in the wake of MSC Cruises . MSC Cruises in August restarted cruises in the Mediterranean with its newest vessel, MSC Grandiosa.

Other lines have hinted that they, too, initially will resume cruising with their newest vessels, which also are their most efficient vessels.

After spending an initial summer sailing out of Civitavecchia, Italy, Odyssey of the Seas had been scheduled to redeploy to Fort Lauderdale in the fall for sailings to the Caribbean. For now, the redeployment still is on the schedule, Royal Caribbean said Monday.

Royal Caribbean's new itineraries out of Israel will feature stops at the Greek islands of Rhodes, Santorini and Mykonos as well as Piraeus, Greece (the port for Athens); and Limassol, Cyprus.

Royal Caribbean has been eyeing Israel as a cruise hub for "quite some time," Bayley said in his statement.

Related: Everything to know about Royal Caribbean cabins, suites

"We greatly appreciate the government of Israel for their collaboration and confidence in us to deliver memorable cruise experiences to their residents, and look forward to delivering on that promise aboard our newest ship – the first 'Green Island' at sea," he said.

Netanyahu called the development an "important economic, touristic moment" for the country.

"Israel is a global model of success," Netanyahu said. "We will continue our program – the 'green passport' – so that we can get out of the COVID-19 virus in peace. Just as we made Israel the world champion in vaccines, we will make it the world champion in economics and tourism in the post-Corona era."

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Here Are the Cruise Lines that Have Cancelled All 2024 Israel Ports of Call (& Those that Haven't)

Photo: Shutterstock.com / Edesh

With fighting between Hamas and Israel showing no signs of abating, some cruise lines have made the decision to remove all Israeli ports of call from their 2024 itineraries. Others, however, are still playing it by month.

Here's a list of all the cruise lines that have cancelled their entire Israel seasons:

• Celebrity Cruises
• Holland America Line
• MSC Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises – Cancellations also include all ports of call in Egypt and Jordan
• Royal Caribbean International
• Silversea Cruises – Cancellations also include all ports of call in Egypt

Not all cruise lines have made the call to change their entire 2024 schedule of Israel ports of call. Here's a list of the cruise lines that still have visits to Israel scheduled in 2024 (with most starting in either March or April):

• Celestyal Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Windstar Cruises

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Cruise Lines Cancel Israel after Hamas Attack, 2 Ships Flee Port

Doug Parker

• October 8, 2023

Several cruise lines have changed routes over safety concerns following a Hamas attack on Israel.

At the time of the strike, Carnival Corporation (CCL) and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) ships were docked in Haifa, Israel, just 50 miles from the blasts near Tel Aviv.

Cruise Lines Cancel Israel

Docked in Hafia during the surprise attack were Oceania Cruises’ vessel Nautica and Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam. Both ships left promptly after guests returned from shore excursions.

The Odyssey of the Seas has diverted to Bodrum, Turkey, Limassol, Cyprus, instead of its scheduled stop in Israel.

Rhapsody of the Seas , which operates from Haifa, Israel, has canceled their October 9 and October 13 short cruises .

In a message to booked guests, the line said, “ We’ve been closely monitoring the geopolitical situation in Israel. With your safety and well-being in mind, and in conjunction with our Global Security Department, we’ve decided that we must cancel our October 9, 2023 and October 13, 2023 Rhapsody of the Seas sailings. “

Celebrity Apex is skipping its call in Haifa, Isreal on Sunday and will dock in Limassol, Cyprus, as an alternate.

Passengers on the Ground

Statendam had guests on an independent shore excursion in the Galilee region at the Jordan River when the strike happened.

A passenger posted on Cruise Critic , “Tour departed early this AM. We were on [a] tour of Galilee region at Jordan River when we were all recalled to the ship.”

The poster said, “Awaiting last passengers to return so we can depart for sea as soon as possible. Three days in [the] Holy Land has become three hours. So many on this cruise picked this itinerary for Israel. Obviously this is beyond HALs control.” 

Ongoing Israel conflicts

This is not the first time conflicts have caused issues with cruise lines in the region. A decade ago, rocket debris landed on a cruise ship off the coast of Ashdod, Israel.

In 2021, Royal Caribbean canceled some cruises due to unrest in Israel. Following recent attacks by Palestinian militants, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is currently at war.

On Saturday morning, rockets were fired from the militant group Hamas fired rockets and missiles from the Gaza Strip north into Isreal.

Local media report that 450 died and over 2,500 injured in the Saturday morning attack.

Land-based American travelers in Tel Aviv are trying to get home as airlines have canceled flights in and out of the airport.

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Cruises to Israel

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Luxury Cruises to Israel

Explore the ancient sites, cities, and historic ports of the Holy Land on a luxury cruise to Israel with Celebrity. Visit sacred temples, awe-inspiring museums, and natural wonders like the Dead Sea. Learn about thousands of years of religious and cultural heritage. Enjoy delicious cuisine that blends multiple cultures together with the bounty of the Mediterranean, and take in the breathtaking views of the sea as you do so. 

Israel cruises will take you to ports like Ashdod, the gateway to Jerusalem, where you can walk in the footsteps of prophets and kings; and Haifa, where you can see the beautiful Bahá'í Gardens. You’ll also have the opportunity to take an excursion to see the biblical sights around Nazareth and the tranquil Sea of Galilee. No matter what you choose to do, a cruise to Israel is sure to be an adventure with the luxury amenities and world-class service that Celebrity is known for.

Israel Cruise Highlights

Religious sites.

On a cruise to Israel, you will visit some of the world's most important religious sites in Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. In Jerusalem, visit the Western Wall and Dome of the Rock, and walk the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Take time to see the profoundly moving Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Center. Travel to Bethlehem to see where Christ was born. Stand in awe at the site of Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River and gaze out over the Sea of Galilee.

Sandwiched between Israel and Jordan is the Dead Sea, a body of water that is the lowest point on earth and has such a high concentration of saline that no life can survive in it. Lie back in the water as the minerals keep you effortlessly afloat, and shop for beauty products made from healing Dead Sea mud. You’ll also visit mountaintop Masada, where Jewish Zealots were besieged by the Romans.

Jerusalem Old City

Jerusalem’s origins date back to 4000 BC, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. Touring the Old City is fascinating, as layers of history are peeled back; you can even see down through occasional glass-covered sections in the sidewalk to excavations dating back to Roman times and earlier. Follow in the last footsteps of Christ, and see ancient olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane. Take time to sample the local lunch specialty, hummus and falafel stuffed into a warm pita, with salad.

Featured Ports

Jerusalem (Ashdod), Israel

Haifa, Israel

Israel Cruise Itineraries

Cruises to Israel embark in the ancient cities of Athens or Rome and sail along the shores of the eastern Mediterranean sea. You’ll sail for 10, 11, or 12 nights and stop at ports like Ashdod, Alexandria, Kusadasi, Limassol, Haifa, and more, depending on your itinerary. These cruises typically operate in February, March, September, and October. 

Itineraries

Why cruise to israel with celebrity cruises.

Cruising to Israel with Celebrity offers you the chance to explore one of the world's oldest and most historic countries in luxury. Enjoy amenities like delicious dining, spacious all-suite accommodations at The Retreat, and plenty of sun and relaxation at the Rooftop Garden or Rooftop Terrace. Treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind experience on The Magic Carpet, Celebrity's groundbreaking moveable deck, cantilevered high over the sea as you cruise. 

These awe-inspiring cruises offer diverse itineraries that will bring you to historic sites in both Israel and other eastern Mediterranean destinations. Walk among ancient ruins in Athens or Rome, visit the Library of Alexandria, and in Israel, explore Old Jaffa and the long, golden beaches of Tel Aviv. No matter what you're looking for, Celebrity Cruises will show you the best of Israel and the Eastern Mediterranean in style and comfort.

View All Cruises to Israel's Port

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Israel says Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles, 99% of which were intercepted

Loud booms were heard in Jerusalem after Iran launched missiles and drones at Israel.

Sirens and explosions could be heard in Jerusalem on Sunday after Iran fired drones and missiles towards Israel.

The Israeli military said it would do everything to defend Israel, as Iran launched a first direct military attack against Israel on Saturday, sending drones and ballistic missiles toward Israel. Iran’s state-run media reported that dozens of drones had been fired.

Iran launched a first direct military attack against Israel on Saturday, sending drones and cruise and ballistic missiles toward Israel.

Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said that Iran has launched drones from its territory at Israel. Israel has been preparing for the possibility of a direct attack from Iran and is ready “for any scenario,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday.

A group of hardliners gathered outside the British embassy in Tehran early Sunday to celebrate missile and drone attacks on Israel. Protesters chanted “Death to Israel” and thanked the revolutionary guard for the attacks.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel’s defenses are ready after Iran launched dozens of drones and ballistic missiles toward Israel on Saturday

Iran’s state TV confirmed early on Sunday that the country’s powerful Revolutionary Guard had launched drones and missiles at Israel. Iran launched drones toward Israel late Saturday, the Israeli military also announced, and Iran’s state-run media reported that dozens had been fired.

Iranian missiles or drones were intercepted in the sky above the Jordanian capital, Amman, on Sunday.

Objects flying over the sky were seen from the West Bank, while booms and air raid sirens have sounded in Jerusalem after Iran launched dozens of drones and ballistic missiles toward Israel in an unprecedented revenge mission that pushes the Middle East closer to a regionwide war.

A group of hardline supporters of the Iranian government gathered overnight in central Tehran to celebrate the country’s missile and drone attacks against Israel.

Missiles could be seen in the night sky over the West Bank early on Sunday as Iran launched a first direct military attack against Israel, sending drones and cruise and ballistic missiles toward Israel.

Israeli Iron Dome air defense system launches to intercept missiles fired from Iran, in central Israel, Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel on Saturday. The Israeli military says Iran fired more than 100 bomb-carrying drones toward Israel. Hours later, Iran announced it had also launched much more destructive ballistic missiles. (AP Photo/Tomer Neuberg)

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Interceptors missiles are launched into the sky early Sunday, April 14, 2024, in Jerusalem. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick)

Iranian demonstrators chant slogans during an anti-Israeli gathering in front of the British Embassy in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel on Saturday. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

This is a locator map for Iran with its capital, Tehran. (AP Photo)

An Iranian cleric chants slogans while attending an anti-Israeli gathering at the Felestin (Palestine) Square in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel Saturday. The Israeli military says Iran fired more than 100 bomb-carrying drones toward Israel. Hours later, Iran announced it had also launched much more destructive ballistic missiles. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Iranian demonstrators wave a Palestinian flag during their anti-Israeli gathering at the Felestin (Palestine) Square in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

An Iranian demonstrator chants slogans while attending an anti-Israeli gathering at the Felestin (Palestine) Square in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel Saturday. The Israeli military says Iran fired more than 100 bomb-carrying drones toward Israel. Hours later, Iran announced it had also launched much more destructive ballistic missiles. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

A demonstrator waves Iranian and Palestinian flags during an anti-Israeli gathering at the Felestin (Palestine) Square in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel Saturday. The Israeli military says Iran fired more than 100 bomb-carrying drones toward Israel. Hours later, Iran announced it had also launched much more destructive ballistic missiles. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

This image made from a video provided to The Associated Press by a Mideast defense official shows a helicopter raid targeting a vessel near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, April 13, 2024. A video seen by The Associated Press shows commandos raiding a ship near the Strait of Hormuz by helicopter Saturday, an attack a Mideast defense official attributed to Iran amid wider tensions between Tehran and the West. The Mideast defense official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters. (AP Photo)

An Iranian demonstrator holds a poster of the late Revolutionary Guard Gen. Mohammad Hadi Haj Rahimi, who was killed in an airstrike widely attributed to Israel that destroyed Iran’s Consulate in Syria on April 1, during an anti-Israeli gathering at the Felestin (Palestine) Square in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel Saturday. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Iranian demonstrators flash the victory sign as they hold an Iranian flag and a model of a bullet during an anti-Israeli gathering at the Felestin (Palestine) Square in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel on Saturday. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

An Iranian demonstrator flashes a victory sign as he holds a model of a bullet during an anti-Israeli gathering at the Felestin (Palestine) Square in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel on Saturday. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

An Iranian demonstrator ignites a flare as others carry a Palestinian flag during an anti-Israeli gathering at the Felestin (Palestine) Sq. in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel Saturday. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

In this image provided by the White House, President Joe Biden, along with members of his national security team, receive an update on an ongoing airborne attack on Israel from Iran, as they meet in the Situation Room of the White House in Washington, Saturday, April 13, 2024. From left to right, facing Biden are, Central Intelligence Agency Director William Burns; Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence; Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Some papers on the desk have been blurred by the source for national security reasons. (Adam Schultz/The White House via AP)

Iranian demonstrators chant slogans during their anti-Israeli gathering in front of the British Embassy in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel on Saturday. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Follow AP’s live updates on Iran’s attack against Israel .

JERUSALEM (AP) — Booms and air raid sirens sounded across Israel early Sunday after Iran launched hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles in an unprecedented revenge mission that pushed the Middle East closer to a regionwide war. A military spokesman said the launches numbered more than 300 but 99% of them were intercepted.

Calling the outcome “a very significant strategic success,” Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Iran fired 170 drones, more than 30 cruise missiles and more than 120 ballistic missiles. Of those, several ballistic missiles reached Israeli territory, causing minor damage to an air base.

Rescuers said a 7-year-old girl in a Bedouin Arab town was seriously wounded in southern Israel, apparently in a missile strike, though they said police were still investigating the circumstances of her injuries.

In Washington, President Joe Biden said U.S. forces helped Israel down “nearly all” the drones and missiles and pledged to convene allies to develop a unified response.

The Iranian attack, less than two weeks after a suspected Israeli strike in Syria that killed two Iranian generals in an Iranian consular building, marked the first time Iran has launched a direct military assault on Israel, despite decades of enmity dating back to the country’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Condemnation from the United Nations chief and others was swift, with France saying Iran “is risking a potential military escalation,” Britain calling the attack “reckless” and Germany saying Iran and its proxies “must stop it immediately.”

Hagari said the vast majority of the intercepts came outside Israel’s borders, including 10 cruise missiles that were intercepted by warplanes.

Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system launches to intercept missiles fired from Iran, in central Israel, Sunday, April 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Tomer Neuberg)

“A wide-scale attack by Iran is a major escalation,” he said. Asked whether Israel would respond, Hagari said only that the army “does and will do whatever is required to protect the security of the state of Israel.” He said the incident was not over, and dozens of Israeli warplanes remained in the skies.

Israel’s military said its Arrow system, which shoots down ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere, handled most interceptions and noted that “strategic partners” were involved.

“At my direction, to support the defense of Israel, the U.S. military moved aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region over the course of the past week,” Biden said in a statement. “Thanks to these deployments and the extraordinary skill of our service members, we helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles.”

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a separate statement that U.S. forces “intercepted dozens of missiles and UAVs en route to Israel, launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen.”

Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke early Sunday, Israeli time, their governments said. Biden said in his statement that he reaffirmed “America’s ironclad commitment” to Israel’s security — a departure from his growing criticism of Israel’s conduct in its war on Hamas in Gaza.

Iran had vowed revenge since the April 1 airstrike in Syria , which Tehran accused Israel of being responsible for. Israel hasn’t commented on it.

Israel and Iran have been on a collision course throughout Israel’s six-month war against Hamas militants in Gaza. The war erupted after Hamas and Islamic Jihad, two militant groups backed by Iran, carried out a devastating cross-border attack on Oct. 7 that killed 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped 250 others. An Israeli offensive in Gaza has caused widespread devastation and killed over 33,000 people, according to local health officials.

Almost immediately after the war erupted, Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group in Lebanon, began attacking Israel’s northern border. The two sides have been involved in daily exchanges of fire, while Iranian-backed groups in Iraq, Syria and Yemen have launched rockets and missiles toward Israel.

In a statement carried late Saturday by Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, the country’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard acknowledged launching “dozens of drones and missiles towards the occupied territories and positions of the Zionist regime.”

In a later statement, the Revolutionary Guard issued a direct warning to the U.S.: “The terrorist U.S. government is warned any support or participation in harming Iran’s interests will be followed by decisive and regretting response by Iran’s armed forces.”

IRNA also quoted an anonymous official saying ballistic missiles were part of the attack. A ballistic missile moves on an arch trajectory, heading up into space before gravity brings the weapon down at a speed several times faster than the speed of sound.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel’s defenses are ready after Iran launched dozens of drones and ballistic missiles on Saturday.

Israel has a multilayered air-defense network that includes systems capable of intercepting a variety of threats including long-range missiles, cruise missiles, drones and short-range rockets. However, in a massive attack involving multiple drones and missiles, the likelihood of a strike making it through is higher.

Iran has a vast arsenal of drones and missiles. Online videos shared by Iranian state television purported to show delta-wing-style drones resembling the Iranian Shahed-136s long used by Russia in its war on Ukraine. The slow-flying drones carry bombs. Ukraine has successfully used both surface-to-air missiles and ground fire to target them.

Some Israelis watched the interceptions light up the night sky.

Air raid sirens were reported in numerous places including northern Israel, southern Israel, the northern West Bank and the Dead Sea near the Jordanian border.

Israel’s army ordered residents in the Golan Heights — near the Syrian and Lebanese borders — as well as the southern towns of Nevatim and Dimona and the Red Sea resort of Eilat into protective spaces. Dimona is home to Israel’s main nuclear facility, and Nevatim has a major air base. Loud booms were heard in Jerusalem and northern and southern Israel.

The army’s Home Front Command canceled school Sunday and limited public gatherings to no more than 1,000 people. Israel and some other countries in the region closed their airspace.

Earlier, Netanyahu warned: “Whoever harms us, we will harm them.”

In Washington, Biden convened a principals meeting of the National Security Council to discuss the attack.

Gen. Erik Kurilla, the head of the U.S. military’s Central Command, was in Israel over the weekend consulting with Israeli defense officials. The Central Command oversees U.S. forces in the Middle East.

Iran’s mission to the United Nations issued a warning to both Israel and the U.S. “Should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe,” it wrote online. “It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the U.S. MUST STAY AWAY!”

For days, Iranian officials including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had threatened to “slap” Israel for the Syria strike.

In Iran’s capital, Tehran, witnesses saw long lines at gas stations early Sunday as people appeared worried about what may come next. Dozens of hard-liners demonstrated in support of the attack at Palestine Square.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported heavy Israeli airstrikes and shelling on multiple locations in south Lebanon following Iran’s launch of drones. The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said it launched “dozens” of Katyusha rockets at an Israeli military site in the Golan Heights early Sunday. It was not immediately clear if there was any damage.

Iranian missiles or drones were intercepted in the sky above the Jordanian capital, Amman. In Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, and elsewhere in the country, residents reported seeing missiles in the sky and hearing explosions, likely from interceptions. In Syria, explosions were heard in the capital, Damascus, and elsewhere. Britain-based war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Syrian air defenses tried to shoot down Israeli attempts to intercept Iranian missiles.

Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. AP correspondents Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran, Michael Balsamo in New York, Krutika Pathi in New Delhi, Stephen Graham in Berlin, Thomas Adamson in Paris, and Zeke Miller and Lolita C. Baldor in Washington contributed to this report.

Middle East latest: Hamas releases hostage video; Hezbollah dismisses 'worthless' Israeli claims on commanders killed

Joe Biden has signed a $95bn security package after months of delays - including around $26bn for Israel. A US envoy has said Israel must do everything possible to avoid famine in Gaza. Listen to a Daily podcast on how the conflict is worsening Yemen's humanitarian crisis as you scroll.

Thursday 25 April 2024 01:15, UK

• Israel-Hamas war
• Hamas releases video of hostage in Gaza
• Hezbollah dismisses 'worthless' Israeli claims on commanders killed
• IDF 'poised to launch offensive' on Gaza city of Rafah
• Israel 'hits 40 Hezbollah targets' in Lebanon
• The big picture : What you need to know about the conflict in the Middle East right now
• Listen to the Sky News Daily above and  tap here  to follow wherever you get your podcasts

We'll be back tomorrow with more updates on the Israel-Hamas war.

We reported earlier that the Houthis had attacked what they said were two American ships and an Israeli vessel (see post at 8.44pm).

Now, we are receiving more information on this.

The Iran-aligned group said it targeted the US ship Maersk Yorktown, an American destroyer in the Gulf of Aden and Israeli ship MSC Veracruz in the Indian Ocean.

The spokesman Yahya Sarea said: "The Yemeni armed forces confirm they will continue to prevent Israeli navigation or any navigation heading to the ports of occupied Palestine in the Red and Arabian Seas, as well as in the Indian Ocean."

Separately, British maritime security firm Ambrey said that it was aware of an incident southwest of the port city of Aden, an area where the Houthis often target ships they say are linked to Israel or the US.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan has said he expects to travel to Saudi Arabia in the next few weeks after postponing the trip due to a cracked rib.

Mr Sullivan told reporters he was feeling much better after the rib injury and that he was about 80% recovered. 

He is to discuss with Saudi officials whether a deal to normalise relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia can be reached.

By Dominic Waghorn , international affairs editor

Deep below Jerusalem, Israeli doctors are preparing for the worst.

Sky News has been given exclusive access to an underground hospital where they are expanding capacity in case the current conflict becomes much worse.

In a bunker below the Herzog Medical Centre the number of beds has been increased to 350 with 100 on the way. 

"Because it's built to withstand both biological and chemical attacks," Dr Yehezkel Caine told Sky News as we entered the complex.

"We have an airlock which is built of two separate sets of blast doors."

Beyond they have installed a whole new level of wards below the existing underground hospital, ripping out a logistics floor and installing more beds and equipment. 

The bunkers would be activated should other hospitals closer to the front need evacuating.  They are planning for worst case scenarios here like an all out war with Hezbollah.

"The hospitals in the north will be overwhelmed with casualties and they themselves will come under fire in which case they would have to evacuate their patients to the centre of the country, the same as we did in the first weeks of the war in the south," Dr Caine said.

Dr Caine and his staff know that after 7 October and the attack by Iran everything has changed for the people of Israel.

He said: "For the civilian population since the war of independence we've never been in a situation where the threat to the civilian population has been as great."

Above ground the Herzog Medical Centre continues with its peacetime specialisms.  

It has Israel's largest ventilator unit, treating adults and children, but also excels in psycho trauma treatment and geriatric rehabilitation. 

Many of those suffering PTSD from the trauma in this conflict are treated here.  

If Jerusalem itself is attacked the hospital can evacuate even the most vulnerable to the bunkers below in just a few hours. The bunkers can be entirely sealed off for 96 hours in what's called a Noah's Ark procedure. 

The Herzog drills its staff regularly, preparing for a reality its hope will never come. 

But events on the northern border are looking ominous.  

Israel has launched one of its biggest bombardments yet of Hezbollah after multiple shelling of northern Israeli communities. 

The lower level war continues with the ever present danger of escalation into something much bigger. 

If it comes, doctors in Jerusalem's biggest underground hospital say they'll be ready.

The Houthis have said they targeted an American warship destroyer in the Gulf of Aden today.

In a televised speech, the Iran-aligned group's military spokesman Yahya Sarea said the Maersk Yorktown container had also been targeted.

They also claimed they had targeted the Israeli ship MSC Veracruz in the Indian Ocean.

 The parents of Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin have called on leaders to "get a deal done" and bring back the hostages, as they asked their son to "stay strong and survive".

In response to the video released today by Hamas of their son, Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Jon Polin, said seeing the video of Hersh today was "overwhelming".

Mr Polin said: "We are relieved to see him alive but we are also concerned about his health and wellbeing as well as that of all the other hostages and all of those suffering in this region.

"We are here today with a plea, to all of the leaders of the parties that have been negotiating to date - that includes Qatar, Egypt, the US, Hamas and Israel.

"Be brave, lean in, seize this moment and get a deal done to reunite all of us with our loved ones and to end the suffering in this region."

Speaking directly to Hersh, his mother said: "If you can hear this, we heard your voice today for first time in 201 days and if you can hear us I am telling you, we are telling you, we love you, stay strong, survive."

The Israeli army's chief-of-staff and the head of one of Israel's intelligence agencies visited Cairo to discuss its planned ground operation in Rafah, according to the Axios news website.

Three senior Israeli officials told the outlet that Herzl Halevi and Shin Bet's director Ronen Bar met with Egyptian officials, who are concerned an operation would lead to tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians fleeing into their territory.

Egypt has repeatedly warned Israel against an operation in Rafah, with which it shares a border and where more than a million Palestinians have been displaced to.

An Israeli government spokesperson said earlier today Israel will move ahead with its planned ground operation in the city (see post at 2pm).

The US State Department has called "dangerous and reckless" the reports that Israel is pushing to legalise dozens of settler outposts in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. 

Speaking at a daily press briefing, deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel also said Washington was continuing to press the government of Israel for more information on reports of mass graves in Gaza.

Explained: Earlier this week, reports emerged that Israel's finance minister Bezalel Smotrich was pushing to begin the process of legalising outposts in the West Bank.

Mr Smotrich sent instructions to several ministries telling them to begin preparations, the Times of Israel reported, citing Israel's Channel 12 News.

Reports have also emerged of mass graves discovered in the Khan Younis area of southern Gaza. The IDF said the claim that troops buried Palestinian bodies was "baseless and unfounded".

Hamas has posted a video showing an Israeli-American hostage on its Telegram account.

The short video, which is undated, purportedly shows Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was captured by Hamas at the Nova music festival during the 7 October attacks, alive.

It shows the 23-year-old, who is from California, missing his lower arm, which was blown off during the attack.

Speaking under duress while in captivity, Mr Goldberg-Polin says he is in "underground hell" and without the treatment he has needed.

"Benjamin Netanyahu and his government should be ashamed of yourselves because you neglected us along with thousands of other citizens," he says, urging the Israeli prime minister to resign after "rejecting" deals to release the hostages.

Every day the hostages are in Gaza they are ignored "more and more", he says.

"You ignore our blood... Do what is expected of you and bring us home immediately, or has this become too big for you?"

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society has released footage of plumes of smoke rising into the air after a house was reportedly shelled.

The shelling took place in Deir al Balah, in central Gaza.

After weeks of relative calm, Israel intensified its attacks overnight on Monday, focusing on areas - particularly in the north - from where it had previously withdrawn troops.

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Iran Says Crew of Israel-Linked Ship to Be Released

(Reuters) - Iran’s foreign minister said the crew of a seized Portuguese-flagged ship linked to Israel have been granted consular access and are expected to be freed, Iranian media reported on Saturday.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards seized the container vessel MSC Aries with a crew of 25 in the Strait of Hormuz on April 13, days after Tehran vowed to retaliate for a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus. Iran had said it could close the crucial shipping route.

Recent attacks on merchant shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis, claiming solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza during Israel's war with Hamas, have affected global shipping.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian told his Portuguese counterpart Paulo Rangel in a telephone call that the “humanitarian issue of the release of the ship's crew is of serious concern to us", Iranian media said.

War in Israel and Gaza

He was quoted as saying the crew would be turned over to their ambassadors in Tehran. The reports did not say when this would occur.

Iran’s foreign ministry has said the Aries was seized for "violating maritime laws" and that there was no doubt it was linked to Israel.

MSC leases the Aries from Gortal Shipping, an affiliate of Zodiac Maritime, which is partly owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer.

([email protected]; Editing by William Mallard)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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Yemen's Houthis missile strike target Andromeda Star oil ship in Red Sea

Los Angeles: Yemen's Houthis said on Saturday their missiles hit the Andromeda Star oil tanker in the Red Sea, as they continue attacking commercial ships in the area in a show of support for Palestinians fighting Israel in the Gaza war .

US Central Command confirmed that Iran-backed Houthis launched three anti-ship ballistic missiles into the Red Sea from Yemen causing minor damage to the Andromeda Star. The ship's master reported damage to the vessel, British maritime security firm Ambrey said. A missile landed in the vicinity of a second vessel, the MV Maisha, but it was not damaged, US Central Command said on social media site X.

Houthi spokesman Yahya Sarea said the Panama-flagged Andromeda Star was British owned, but shipping data shows it was recently sold, according to LSEG data and Ambrey. Its current owner is Seychelles-registered. The tanker is engaged in Russia-linked trade. It was en route from Primorsk, Russia, to Vadinar, India, Ambrey said.

Yemen's Houthis hit US-owned container vessel

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Iran-aligned Houthi militants have launched repeated drone and missile strikes in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait and Gulf of Aden since November, forcing shippers to re-route cargo to longer and more expensive journeys around southern Africa and stoking fears the Israel-Hamas war could spread and destabilise the Middle East. The attack on the Andromeda Star comes after a brief pause in the Houthis' campaign that targets ships with ties to Israel, the United States and Britain.

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier sailed out of the Red Sea via the Suez Canal on Friday after assisting a US-led coalition to protect commercial shipping. The Houthis on Friday said they downed an American MQ-9 drone in airspace of Yemen's Saada province.

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