France and several international partners are planning a naval operation aimed at reopening the crucial Strait of Hormuz, President Emmanuel Macron said Monday, as the conflict with Iran moved into its second week and continued to disrupt regional stability.
Macron arrived by helicopter aboard the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, which had been deployed to the Mediterranean after the U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28 ignited a broader conflict that has rattled the Middle East and raised fears of a wider regional escalation.
Earlier in the day, during a visit to Cyprus, Macron explained that the planned mission would focus on escorting cargo vessels and oil tankers so that maritime traffic through the strait could gradually resume “after the end of the hottest phase of the conflict.”
“This is essential for international trade, but also for the flow of gas and oil, which must be able to leave this region once again,” Macron said during a visit to the island to discuss regional security.
Standing alongside Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Macron emphasized that the planned effort would involve a coalition of countries and would serve strictly protective purposes, describing it as a “purely defensive, purely support mission.”
The Netherlands also announced that it plans to deploy a naval frigate to the Mediterranean at France’s request.
The European Union indicated Monday that it is prepared to expand its maritime security operations in the Middle East.
EU officials have been considering strengthening their naval presence in the Red Sea after the American-Israeli strikes on Iran sparked a wider regional confrontation.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to global markets and carrying roughly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil — has largely come to a standstill since the war erupted on February 28.
Macron’s trip to Cyprus followed a recent incident in which Iranian-made drones targeted the EU member island nation earlier this month.
The French president warned that any strike against Cyprus must be viewed as an attack against Europe itself.
“When Cyprus is attacked, it is Europe that is attacked,” he said.
“We will not accept that the slightest piece of European territory, like Cyprus, be exposed to danger,” added Mitsotakis.
Following the drone attack, France moved the Charles de Gaulle carrier to the Mediterranean and also dispatched a frigate and air-defense units to Cyprus.
French officials have repeatedly stressed that the country’s actions in the region are intended solely for defensive purposes.
While aboard the Charles de Gaulle, Macron was expected to meet with sailors serving in the carrier’s strike group, according to the Elysee Palace.
The aircraft carrier is the centerpiece of a broader French naval deployment that will include eight frigates and two amphibious helicopter carriers operating across a wide zone stretching from the eastern Mediterranean to the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.
One French frigate is already participating in the European Union’s Operation Aspides, a mission launched in the Red Sea in 2024 to protect commercial shipping from attacks carried out by Iran-backed Houthi forces.
Macron said France plans to maintain a long-term contribution to Operation Aspides by assigning two frigates to the mission.
“What we want to do is to ensure freedom of navigation and maritime security,” he said.
Separately, Macron also spoke Monday morning with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu to discuss developments in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon, the Elysee Palace said.
{Matzav.com}
Chaim V’Chessed continues to be inundated with calls relating to the ongoing Iran crisis. Below is a roundup of the latest developments regarding travel to and from Israel, evacuation options, and government services.
Inbound Travel to Israel
Israeli airlines – primarily El Al, but also Israir, Arkia, and Air Haifa – have begun operating flights back to Israel.
At this stage, the overwhelming majority of seats are being allocated to passengers who previously held tickets on these airlines. These passengers are being proactively contacted and offered new reservations.
Those wishing to travel to Israel who did not previously hold tickets – or who held tickets on foreign airlines that are currently not flying – have extremely limited options. While some seats are being sold, available dates are often far off.
Passengers unable to secure flights in the coming days and who have the flexibility to travel may consider entry via Egypt – see below.
Outbound Flights from Israel
The Israeli airlines listed above have also begun operating outbound flights. However, flights are officially limited to approximately 70 passengers per flight.
Passengers who previously held tickets on these airlines are being contacted and offered alternative departure dates. Passengers are being assigned to flights in a fashion that those whose original departure dates were earlier are generally being prioritized for the earliest available flights.
Those without existing tickets – or who had tickets on airlines that remain suspended – face very limited availability. Although tickets are being sold, departure dates are often weeks away.
Chaim V’Chessed has been flooded with inquiries from passengers facing genuine emergency situations who urgently need to travel to or from Israel. Due to the extremely limited number of seats and the overwhelming volume of requests, we are unable to assist with placement on flights. It is somewhat possible, however, that after the initial bottleneck of delayed passengers clears this week, it may become easier to obtain seats.
U.S. Embassy Evacuation Flights
The United States Department of State is arranging no-cost departure options for American citizens seeking to leave Israel. Flights may be to the United States or to third countries outside the region.
Flights are being offered in a somewhat unpredictable manner to those who have registered through the Department of State’s Crisis Intake Form, as well as to those who have registered via Chaim V’Chessed’s evacuation interest list (which has been shared with the Department of State). Individuals are welcome to complete both forms.
It is important to note that these are not standalone charter evacuations. Rather, American citizens are being placed on flights that are already scheduled to depart Israel.
Those who have indicated that they wish to depart Israel immediately may receive very short notice – at times being instructed to report to Ben Gurion Airport on short notice. Passengers report significant confusion and a lack of organization at the airport for the State Department flights.
The “30-Day Rule”
Due to the severe flight limitations, the Israeli government has sought to condition departure on an agreement not to return in the near future.
El Al has indicated that passengers may not return for 30 days, while other airlines have referenced a 21-day restriction.
There is little doubt that should hostilities cease, such commitments would not be enforced. Additionally, numerous passengers have reported that despite public discussion of this policy, they were not asked to sign any such document prior to departure.
Travel Through Egypt
For those unable to obtain outbound flights, travel through Egypt remains an option.
While there is an official travel warning regarding entry into Sinai, thousands have successfully utilized this route in recent days.
For those traveling via Egypt, Chaim V’Chessed strongly recommends only traveling with organized groups, such as Lelechet, Emes Travel or Plan It Rite. (Please note: Chaim V’Chessed does not endorse any group or travel package.)
Government Offices
The majority of government offices across Israel remain closed, creating significant challenges for citizens requiring services.
The Israel Population and Immigration Authority (Interior Ministry) has opened limited branches, including the Mevaseret and Har Homa Branches.
United States Embassy
The United States Embassy in Israel remains closed for routine services.
However, embassy officials have informed Chaim V’Chessed that emergency passport services will be available this week from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at both the Jerusalem and Tel Aviv locations, for those requiring passports in order to depart Israel. No appointments are needed; applicants are strongly encouraged to arrive early.
The Embassy will implement an important leniency for parents with recently born newborns. Due to government offices being closed, many have been unable to obtain birth certificates from the Interior Ministry. Parents will be permitted to present the Hodaa al Leida from the hospital, in lieu of an official birth certificate.
Chaim V’Chessed continues to monitor developments closely and remains available during regular business hours to assist the English-speaking community in navigating this rapidly evolving situation.
{Matzav.com}
President Donald Trump said Monday that the military campaign against Iran is largely finished, describing the conflict as nearly concluded more than a week after the United States initiated Operation Epic Fury, a major offensive aimed at Iran’s political leadership and military infrastructure.
In a phone interview with CBS News, Trump indicated that the fighting may soon come to a close.
“I think the war is very complete, pretty much,” he said. “They have no navy, no communications, they’ve got no air force.” He added that the U.S. is “very far” ahead of his initial four-to-six-week timeline.
The American operation began on Feb. 28 and was carried out in coordination with Israel. During the opening phase of the campaign, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed.
Asked about Iran’s new leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late supreme leader, Trump said he had no message for him. “I have no message for him. None whatsoever.” He added that he has someone in mind to replace Khamenei but did not elaborate.
Trump also addressed developments in the Strait of Hormuz, the vital shipping lane used by a large portion of the world’s oil tankers. He said vessels are continuing to pass through the strait despite earlier Iranian threats to target ships in the area, adding that he is “thinking about taking it over.”
The president concluded with a warning directed at Iran.
“They’ve shot everything they have to shoot, and they better not try anything cute or it’s going to be the end of that country,” he said.
{Matzav.com}Air raid sirens blared across central Israel and the Shephelah region on Monday evening after rockets were fired from Lebanon without advance warning, sending residents rushing to protected areas. Security officials reported multiple sites where fragments from interceptions and shrapnel fell. The Israel Defense Forces later said that one missile hit in central Israel while several others landed in open areas.
Magen David Adom said four people sustained light injuries in the attack on central Israel. The wounded included a 32-year-old man who was struck by a flying object and a 38-year-old woman who suffered an injury to her leg. All four casualties were transported to Kaplan Medical Center and Shamir Medical Center, where they were treated for blast-related trauma and injuries from shattered glass.
The IDF reported that Israeli Air Force aircraft quickly responded to the attack, destroying the launcher in Lebanon from which the rockets had been fired.
In a statement, the Hezbollah terrorist organization claimed responsibility for the strike, saying: “We attacked the satellite communications station belonging to the communications and cyber defense corps of the Israeli enemy army, in the Elah Valley in central occupied Palestine.”
Earlier Monday, a separate Iranian missile strike hit a construction site in Yehud, killing one person and critically wounding another. The injured victim was transported by intensive care ambulance to Sheba Medical Center.
Another incident occurred in Or Yehuda, where a missile strike left one individual seriously injured. That victim was also taken to Sheba Medical Center for treatment. The municipality reported that another woman suffered anxiety and received care at the scene, while three additional locations were identified where cluster munitions had struck, causing damage to property.
Or Yehuda Mayor Liat Shohat addressed the attacks, stating, “These events remind us once again how life-saving it is to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command. I wish the injured a speedy recovery and ask residents to remain vigilant and avoid approaching the impact sites so security forces can complete their work safely.”
Meanwhile, reports indicated that roughly 650,000 residents have fled the Dahiya district of Beirut, along with approximately half a million people who have left areas in southern Lebanon.
Defense Minister Yisroel Katz emphasized Israel’s determination to defend its communities, saying, “The decision to move forward immediately and defend the communities is morally and operationally correct, and it enables what comes next while giving residents the confidence that what happened will not return. There will be no evacuation, no abandonment-everyone remains on their land, in their home, wherever they are. The number one mission is to defend the communities and provide them security against raids and anti-tank fire.”
He continued, “From this point we should not only avoid retreating in the face of Hezbollah, but seize the opportunity to strike it. We are striking it and will continue to strike it. Prepare operational plans to hit it, impose costs, and neutralize its capabilities. The fact that a million Lebanese have evacuated their homes in southern Lebanon and in Dahiya demonstrates the strength of the IDF and its deterrence capability.”
{Matzav.com}American intelligence agencies have intercepted encrypted communications believed to have originated from Iran that could potentially serve as a signal for sleeper cells operating outside the country, according to a federal alert circulated to law enforcement authorities.
The warning, which was reviewed by ABC News, cites “preliminary signals analysis” of a transmission described as “likely of Iranian origin.” The message was reportedly broadcast to several countries shortly after Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed.
Khamenei died on Feb. 28 during a coordinated U.S.-Israeli military strike.
Officials say the intercepted message was encrypted and appeared to be intended for “clandestine recipients” who already possess the necessary encryption key to decode it.
Communications of this type are commonly used to deliver instructions to “covert operatives or sleeper assets” without using internet networks or cellular systems that could be more easily traced.
According to the alert, analysts believe the signals may have been designed to “be intended to activate or provide instructions to prepositioned sleeper assets operating outside the originating country.”
“While the exact contents of these transmissions cannot currently be determined, the sudden appearance of a new station with international rebroadcast characteristics warrants heightened situational awareness,” the alert said.
Officials stressed that the warning does not point to any particular location or imminent attack. The alert notes there is “no operational threat tied to a specific location,” though it advises law enforcement agencies to closely watch for unusual radio-frequency activity.
If the communication is confirmed to be authentic, it could intensify concerns among Western security officials that sleeper cells positioned abroad might be activated in retaliation following the U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran.
{Matzav.com}
