The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade has confirmed that Solomon Islands students currently in Israel are safe and well amid the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran.
Five Solomon Islands students have been undertaking agricultural training at the Arava International Centre for Agriculture (AICAT) in Israel since September 2024. The students completed their training on 5 June 2025 and were scheduled to return home on Tuesday, 17 June 2025.
However, due to the recent escalation in tensions—which has resulted in the closure of Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv and restricted airspace over Israel, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, and Iran—the students have been unable to depart the country as planned.
The Solomon Islands Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining regular contact with the students. The students have been advised to strictly follow instructions issued by local authorities and to continue observing all precautionary safety measures.
Solomon Islands Ambassador to the UAE, His Excellency Cornelius Walegerea, stated:
“Given the volatile nature of the current situation, the safety of our citizens in Israel—particularly the students—remains our top priority. Once the airport reopens and it is deemed safe for them to travel, the students will be able to return home.”
The Ministry will continue to provide updates as the situation develops.
