Dear Partners and Clients,
As you may have seen in the international news, over the weekend Israel and the United States launched a major military operation against targets in Iran — referred to by the Israeli government as “Lion’s Roar.” The situation has since evolved into a broader regional escalation, with heightened alert levels across Israel and neighbouring areas.
As we enter the third day of these developments, I would like to provide a clear update on current operational conditions and service continuity.
First and foremost, our teams are safe. Ocean has entered emergency operating procedures in accordance with Home Front Command directives. While certain activities are being conducted under adjusted protocols, we continue to function as an essential service provider and are maintaining operational continuity across our core services.
Below is the current status, organized by activity segment.
Daily Life & Safety Guidelines
The Israel Home Front Command has issued emergency directives across the country. Schools are closed, and access to workplaces is limited to essential services only, including healthcare, food supply, and utility providers. Residents are advised to remain in proximity to protected shelters, prepare emergency essentials, and limit non-essential movement. All hospitals and emergency rooms remain fully operational and accessible. For official safety instructions and real-time updates, please refer to:
https://www.oref.org.il/eng
Air Travel – Ben Gurion Airport
Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) is currently closed to all passenger flights, both inbound and outbound, until further notice.
Israeli carriers, including El Al, have suspended scheduled flights and are preparing for potential evacuation and repatriation operations once conditions and aviation authorities permit.
In parallel, limited alternative departure options are being facilitated via neighbouring countries. For example, Arkia has announced rescue flight operations operating from Taba (Sinai, Egypt), offering both outbound travel from Israel and inbound return options for passengers seeking to return to Israel, subject to airline eligibility requirements and border crossing regulations (see here some helpful information from the Ministry of Tourism: https://www.gov.il/en/pages/mot-update-2026-03-01).
For official airline updates and registration for rescue flights, please refer directly to:
Arkia: https://www.arkia.com/he/content/updates
El Al: https://www.elal.com/heb/about-elal/news/recent-updates
Shipping & Freight Operations
International Shipping Operations – Surveys, Packing, Deliveries & Warehouse Handling
In accordance with the current emergency status and Home Front Command directives, certain activities are being adjusted. All pre-move surveys are currently being conducted virtually. On-site surveys are temporarily suspended in order to minimize movement and ensure compliance with safety guidelines.
Packing, deliveries, and warehouse handling continue to be performed; however, operations are being carried out under reduced staffing levels due to reserve mobilization and emergency workforce constraints. While we remain fully committed to servicing all active files, capacity is not at normal levels and scheduling flexibility may be required.
In addition, we anticipate that some assignees may postpone departures or experience temporary entry restrictions into Israel. This may result in delayed packings, deliveries, or destination services until travel conditions stabilize.
Temporary Security Surcharge – FCL Shipments
Due to the current emergency conditions and the operational constraints described above, Ocean will implement a temporary Security Surcharge applicable to FCL (Full Container Load) shipments requiring packing and/or delivery services within Israel.
This adjustment reflects the additional operational measures required under the present security framework, including workforce limitations, movement restrictions, route adjustments, and operational interruptions during security alerts.
The surcharge will apply for the duration of the emergency period. For shipment-specific details and applicable fees, please liaise directly with your Ocean move coordinator.
Customs & Regulatory
Israeli Customs is operating under emergency procedures. Clearance processes continue, though processing times may be extended.
Air freight
Airport operations are functioning under heightened security protocols. At present, cargo flight capacity is extremely limited, and household goods do not receive priority allocation, meaning this option is effectively constrained for the time being. Significant delays and backlogs should therefore be expected until regular air capacity resumes.
Sea Freight & Ports
Haifa and Ashdod ports are operating in emergency format and port terminals remain functional.
No blanket suspension of container services has been announced at this stage, and bookings continue to be accepted for both import and export shipments. This morning, MSC Israel formally confirmed that it is operating in full business continuity, with vessels continuing to call Israeli ports across all regular trade lanes. In addition, they confirmed that all bookings to and from Israel are being accepted as usual, subject to operational conditions at the ports.
That said, certain operational constraints should be noted. War-risk or emergency surcharges may be applied by carriers depending on developments. Inland trucking is functioning but under reduced capacity. Driver availability has been impacted due to military reserve mobilization, and temporary stoppages may occur during security alerts. As a result, delays in container positioning, gate moves, and final deliveries should be anticipated.
In addition, and based on prior experience during similar escalations, carriers may announce last-minute adjustments to port rotations, including shifting calls from Haifa to Ashdod or vice versa due to operational considerations. Such changes can result in additional costs, including inter-port transportation, demurrage, port storage, or rollovers to subsequent sailings where cut-off times are missed due to security-related disruptions.
Please also review the following statement provided by “The Israeli Federation of International Freight Forwarders and Customs Clearing Agents”.
RELOCATION & MOBILITY SERVICES
At this stage, we have not received evacuation-related requests from corporate clients or relocating families. We continue to monitor the situation closely and remain prepared to support should circumstances change.
DSP and Immigration services continue under Home Front Command guidelines. Our Relocation Consultants team remains available on a remote basis to support ongoing and new requests. While core services continue, certain activities requiring in-person attendance may be subject to adjustments or delays depending on local security restrictions.
Notice Regarding B/1 Expert Work Permits and Visas
As of March 2, 2026, the Population and Immigration Authority has not announced any automatic extensions of B/1 expert work permits or visas in relation to the current Israel–Iran conflict. Foreign experts should verify their visa status individually.
Temp housing solutions
Temp housing solutions remain available across key locations including Tel Aviv, Herzliya, Haifa, Jerusalem, Ashdod-Ashkelon and Eilat. We are actively coordinating with our housing partners and can help secure options with reasonable notice. Some flexibility on location, apartment size, or specific features may be needed.
Should you have any questions or require assistance, Ocean’s management remains fully accessible. Please see our contact information below.
Daniel Drenger: +972 523 69 19 12 | Eran Drenger: +972 523 69 19 11
We appreciate your understanding and ongoing cooperation during this time.