Israel is preparing for the possibility of an increase in the number of Jewish immigrants from Russia, after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a partial military mobilization to reinforce his forces in Ukraine, a decision that prompted a number of Russians to try to leave the country by air and land, according to press reports.
The Israeli Minister of Immigration and Absorption Pnina Tamano Shata told the website of the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper that her ministry will hold an emergency discussion later on Thursday with other ministries on immigration from Russia.
She added that there is an increasing demand for immigration from Russia, and that the Israeli authorities are doing everything in their power to help those wishing to reach Israel under the so-called Law of Return, but she pointed out that the number of flights coming from Russia did not rise despite the increased demand.
The Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported an increase in ticket prices from Russia to Israel, as the price of a flight ticket from Moscow to Tel Aviv on an indirect flight reached 23,000 shekels ($6,700).
The newspaper reported that prices rose to more than 5,000 dollars one way even to destinations closest to Russia, and all tickets for the next few days were almost completely sold out.
She explained that El Al is currently operating direct flights to Israel from Moscow, and in addition to that, a Russian company is also operating direct flights to Israel.
It is noteworthy that the number of Jews in Russia is estimated at more than 165,000.
After Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a decree for partial mobilization - in the first step since World War II - Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu revealed that 300,000 reservists would be called up.