As missiles fly and diplomacy dies, international security firm Global Rescue is sounding the klaxon: if you’re in Israel, pack your bags—and do it now.
The world may be watching the Israel-Iran conflict unfold from the comfort of their living rooms, but for travellers caught in the crosshairs, this is no time for passive observation. It’s time to move—and fast.
“We urge everybody who wants to leave or is concerned about the escalation of the conflict to do it and do it now,” says Dan Richards, the no-nonsense CEO of The Global Rescue Companies. One can almost hear the urgency in his voice, like a father barking orders in a fire drill—not to panic, but to move with purpose.
With Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport closed tighter than a banker’s wallet, and regional airspace suddenly resembling a no-fly tombstone, the options are dwindling faster than hope in a ceasefire. Enter Global Rescue, the world’s preeminent provider of medical, security, and emergency extraction services. Their boots are already on the ground—or instead, on the border.
Land, Not Air, Is the Ticket Out
“The situation is intensifying over the last 12 to 18 hours,” Richards confirmed. “We have been working around the clock to evacuate our clients by the safest methods possible to get them out of harm’s way.”
Those methods? Primarily via land, specifically through Jordan and Egypt. These border crossings, while intermittently open, currently represent the most viable escape routes. Jordan’s King Hussein Bridge and Egypt’s Taba Crossing have become lifelines in a region where air travel is all but dead.
“Sea evacuation?” you ask. Yes, technically possible. But Richards is quick to throw cold water on the idea. “Traveling by sea might be possible but far from ideal—it comes with significant logistical and safety challenges,” he says.
And here we must pause to note: this is not the first time someone’s thought of fleeing a conflict zone by boat. But in 2025, it’s not as romantic as a wartime film. Sea routes are slow, uncertain, and potentially exposed to conflict. As any seasoned sailor will tell you: it’s not the boat that worries you—it’s who’s watching it.
Shelter, Support—and Soldiers Behind the Scenes
While Global Rescue’s operatives are orchestrating these extractions with the precision of a Swiss watch, there’s also vital work happening behind closed doors. Some travellers have no choice but to bunker down, and in those cases, the company’s remote support team steps in.
In one chilling incident, Global Rescue coordinated aid for a group huddled in a bomb shelter after an Iranian missile landed nearby. It’s not just about flights and buses—it’s about hope, technology, and tactical know-how.
“We are acting as a lifeline for travellers caught in this conflict—offering not only security extractions but also guidance, communication support, and physical assistance as needed,” Richards said.
And they’re not relying on amateurs either. This isn’t your cousin’s backpacker travel insurance hotline. Their team includes former special operations personnel—men and women trained to operate in chaos, read terrain like a roadmap, and act decisively.
Behind every successful extraction are intelligence analysts working in overdrive, piecing together reports, satellite imagery, and field communications to keep evacuees one step ahead of danger.
No Names, No Locations—Just Action
Given the volatility on the ground, Global Rescue is keeping things very close to the vest: no names, no coordinates, no dramatic social media feeds. “Due to the sensitive nature of these operations and the ongoing risk of targeting by hostile forces, Global Rescue cannot disclose the locations or identities of individuals receiving support,” Richards added.
In a world increasingly addicted to digital breadcrumbs, this level of discretion is both refreshing and vital.
A Final Word: Don’t Wait to Be Told Twice
This isn’t a movie. There’s no rousing soundtrack or final call over the loudspeaker. If you’re an international traveller in Israel—or know someone who is—consider this your cue. The time for sightseeing has passed. The time for action is now.
As old-timers used to say in the bush: if you smell smoke, don’t wait to see flames.
Global Rescue has lit the flare. The exits are open—just barely. And the message is unmistakable: get out while you still can.
By Susan Ng
