BRITONS stuck in Israel say the Foreign Office has abandoned them to their fate by failing to help them flee from Iran’s ballistic missile blitz.
They claim officials have refused to draw up evacuation plans and are instead telling those trying to leave that they should take a risky bus journey to Egypt or Jordan.
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There are up to 60,000 British citizens who live in Israel and more are likely to have been visiting as the air battle with Iran began.
Those stranded are also angry that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, led by David Lammy, evacuated the families of diplomats working at the Embassy in Tel Aviv but offered them nothing.
Israeli airspace has been shut since last week and the only flights entering are IDF repatriation jets.
Max Radford, who is stuck in Tel Aviv, said he had “no clear sight” on when he might get back to the UK.
He hit out at the advice to head to Jordan or Egypt with little shelter on route.
He told TalkTV it was against local guidance to hunker down, adding: “What are you supposed to do? Hide in a sand dune if there’s a rocket attack.”
“There is no way that I’m making my way to Jordan or Egypt, which are not particularly friendly countries. What should be happening is preparation in Cyprus. It’s 30 minutes to an hour away on a flight. It’s 200km by vessel.
“The Foreign Office guidance is absolutely ludicrous.”
Judah, who is also stuck in Tel Aviv, told TalkTV that he had called the Foreign Office but was given “zero advice or help or a return phone call”.
An FCDO spokesman said: “The safety and security of British nationals is our top priority. We recognise this is a fast-moving situation that has the potential to deteriorate further, quickly and without warning. That is why we are encouraging British nationals to register their presence and pay close attention to travel advice.”