Israelis Face New Costs as War Shifts Focus to international Scrutiny and Personal Safety
TEL AVIV, ISRAEL – As the conflict in gaza stretches into its longest period in israeli history, Israelis are confronting a shifting landscape of challenges extending beyond the battlefield. From facing accusations of genocide and war crimes in international courts to heightened personal security concerns while traveling abroad, the war’s impact is broadening, forcing Israelis to navigate a world increasingly wary of their nation’s actions and their own identities.
The outpouring of global sympathy following the October 7th attacks has given way to a period of intense international scrutiny, with Israel defending itself against allegations of war crimes. This has prompted the israeli government to advise citizens to maintain a low profile overseas and even delete social media posts referencing military service,as some countries pursue legal action against visiting Israelis with military backgrounds. Despite these warnings, many Israelis are still choosing to travel, seeking respite from the ongoing conflict.
The Tel Aviv international airport has become a crucial, yet increasingly unreliable, escape route. Repeated cancellations due to missile fire from Yemen and Iran have disrupted travel plans,adding another layer of uncertainty to Israelis seeking to leave the country.
Oshri avata,25,a veteran of multiple tours in gaza and Lebanon with an elite undercover unit,exemplifies this desire for escape. “I ran away from this. I don’t wanna do that.I wanna fly. I wanna see the world… this is another kind of treatment,” he said,opting to travel to Georgia instead of participating in group therapy with his unit.
Aviv hajaj, 30, experienced similar disruption, having her planned trip to paris to see Beyoncé canceled due to the conflict with iran. She expressed anxiety before boarding a flight to Athens, Greece. “I probably will not speak in Hebrew at streets or metros or stuff.So it sucks,” hajaj said.”The fact that we need to be scared to travel the world… I just want it to be over.”
The emotional toll of the war is visible even within the departure hall, where stickers bearing the faces of fallen Israeli soldiers adorn the walls of the airport parking lot. One sticker features a quote from a mother’s eulogy: “Our story will have a good ending.”
As the war continues, Israelis are bracing for a reckoning with the profound costs – both collective and individual – that have accumulated over the past two years.
NPR’s Carrie Kahn contributed to this report from Tel Aviv, Israel.
