British nationals trying to leave Israel amid rising tensions with Iran say UK support has been lacking. Some turned to German embassy staff to help them cross into Jordan.
As the situation worsens, many Britons living or holidaying in Israel remain unsure how to get out. The UK government has announced plans to provide charter flights once Israel’s airspace reopens. However, there’s no clear timeline for this.
Several citizens have already tried to leave the country and say British officials offered little help. Former Deputy Prime Minister Sir Oliver Dowden criticised the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), calling its response “pretty slow and rubbish.”
British nationals find no UK support at the border
Ethan Schwartz, 20, has lived in Israel since October 2024. On Thursday, he and four other Britons tried to cross the eastern border into Jordan.
“Each country had embassy staff helping their citizens – the US, France, Germany, and Poland,” he said. “The UK was the only one without a representative.”
Ethan said the group felt overwhelmed and stressed. A German official eventually stepped in to help them with both border checkpoints.
“As a British citizen, I felt let down by the government and the embassy,” he added.
He also questioned the plan for charter flights. “It’s nonsense. David Lammy said staff would be at the Israeli-Jordanian border, but it’s too late now.”
Citizens say government should have acted sooner
Jamie Soning, 58, also crossed into Jordan on Thursday. A London resident, he had been in Israel since early June.
“We had to arrange everything ourselves,” Jamie said. “We left at 6 a.m., got caught in a missile strike, and had no idea what to expect at the border.”
He criticised the UK for not using resources in the region, such as its base in Cyprus.
“With proper planning, they could have evacuated everyone within 24 hours using ships,” he said. “The lack of response is hard to understand.”
The FCDO has updated its travel advice, warning that the situation in Israel could worsen quickly and without warning. The UK has withdrawn families of embassy staff, but British nationals are told to remain in place and follow local guidance. The government also advises citizens to register online.
Sir Oliver Dowden said 41 of his constituents are still trying to leave Israel. He said that other governments, like Ireland’s, had reached out to dual nationals — unlike the UK.
“The advice has been unclear,” he said. “They tell people to leave via Jordan, then warn that Jordan might not be safe. It doesn’t add up.”
A government spokesperson responded: “The safety of British nationals is our top priority. We are working around the clock to help those affected.
“We will offer charter flights once airspace reopens. We’re also arranging travel to airports for people leaving by land. No country has managed charter flights while airspace remains closed.”
