El Al Suspends Flights to Moscow & US Base May Move to Israel
El Al is halting its flights to Moscow due to drone threats, as tensions with Iran escalate to include attacks on ships in the Gulf and demands for withdrawal from Lebanon. Simultaneously, the United States is considering relocating one of its bases to Israel following heavy damage sustained in an Iranian attack.
If you were planning to fly to Russia, El Al is suspending its operations on the Tel Aviv-Moscow route until further notice. The decision was made after drone (unmanned aerial vehicle) attacks rendered the Russian capital's airspace hazardous for civil aviation. Passengers with tickets are advised to check with the airline for alternatives or refunds.
In the security arena, risks to shipping in the Middle East are increasing after a Singapore-flagged cargo ship was struck by a missile in the Strait of Hormuz, near Oman. The attack, attributed to the Revolutionary Guards, comes alongside Iranian declarations setting Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon as a prerequisite for any future agreement.
Meanwhile, the US military presence in the region may shift in a way that impacts Israel. Satellite imagery has revealed extensive damage caused by Iran to a US base, including strikes on headquarters and warehouses. In light of this damage, the US administration is now weighing the relocation of the base to Israel.
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