As Evacuations From Israel Begin, Some Australians Choose to Stay

The federal government is assisting overland escape from Israel; options to Egypt also explored.

People take cover in an underground train station transformed into a public shelter following reports of an incoming missile fired from Iran, on June 18, 2025 in Ramat Gan, Israel. Amir Levy/Getty Images

As the Middle East conflict intensifies, the Australian government has begun assisting evacuations from Israel, with over 2,000 citizens and family members requesting help.

While some Australians are already being evacuated from the escalating conflict in the Middle East, a few, like Melbourne mother-of-three Emily Gian and lawyer Leon Zweir, are choosing to stay back.