Caitlyn Jenner departs Israel during Iran-Israel conflict, following participation in Tel Aviv LGBTQ+ celebrations.
In an unexpected turn of events, American media personality and Olympic gold medalist Caitlyn Jenner fled Israel on Sunday, as the ongoing armed conflict between Israel and Iran reached a critical point. The escalating missile attacks forced the cancellation of the Tel Aviv Pride Parade, where Jenner was scheduled to attend as the guest of honour.
Caitlyn Jenner's visit to Israel began on Thursday, June 12, when she arrived at Ben-Gurion International Airport. During her initial days, she expressed strong support for Israel, emphasizing her solidarity with the Israeli people and condemning the violence originating from Iran. Jenner spent her time touring significant Israeli locations, including Jerusalem's Western Wall and Kibbutz Be'eri, before the cancellation of the Pride Parade.
As Israel engaged in "Operation Rising Lion," responding to Iranian missile attacks, the situation in Tel Aviv became increasingly tense. Jenner took shelter in a bomb shelter over the weekend, sharing moments on social media, including one where she was drinking wine with an Israeli influencer amid the attacks. She described the experience as an intense way to celebrate Shabbat and reiterated her commitment to Israel and her advocacy for peace and liberation for all.
With Israeli airspace closed due to ongoing missile strikes, Jenner was unable to depart by air. On Sunday, she left Israel by crossing the land border into Jordan, where she planned to fly back to the United States from Queen Alia International Airport in Amman. Jordan’s airspace had been intermittently closed during the conflict but reopened on the morning of her departure.
Jenner kept her trip to Israel private, not informing her six children until she boarded the plane. She faced concerns from family but assured them she would remain safe. The war between Israel and Iran has been ongoing for four days, with reports of loud explosions throughout Tehran during the night and into Monday morning.
Israel launched a series of raids on Tehran, resulting in the death of key military officials, nuclear scientists, and the destruction of multiple nuclear sites. However, according to Iranian authorities, ninety percent of the verified deaths in Iran's response were civilians. There have been many reports of civilian casualties, with at least 24 Israelis killed and 500 more injured due to Iranian missile attacks, according to Reuters.
Amidst the chaos, Caitlyn Jenner's journey was documented by Israeli influencer Regev Gur, who shared a powerful image of Jenner in a bomb shelter on Instagram. Jenner also shared an image of Tel Aviv's skies illuminated by the Iron Dome defense system catching Iranian rockets.
Meanwhile, CNN political commentator Scott Jennings remains stuck in Israel during the ongoing war. The city's LGBT pride celebrations were canceled due to the escalating conflict, but Jenner, who was in Tel Aviv as the city's honored guest, managed to escape Israel by land and enter Jordan.
As the conflict continues, the IDF has issued evacuation advisories to multiple districts in Tehran due to impending action. The world watches as the situation unfolds, hoping for a swift resolution and a return to peace.
- Caitlyn Jenner's stay in Israel was marked by her support for the Israeli people, as she strongly condemned the violence originating from Iran.
- On social media, Jenner shared her experiences in Israel, including sheltering in a bomb shelter during missile attacks and celebrating Shabbat with an Israeli influencer.
- Despite the ongoing conflict, Jenner was able to leave Israel by crossing the land border into Jordan and planned to fly back to the United States from Queen Alia International Airport in Amman.
- The war between Israel and Iran has resulted in numerous fatalities, with reports of civilian casualties on both sides.
- The events in Israel and Iran have dominated 'general-news', 'war-and-conflicts', and 'news' sections on various media platforms across the globe.
- Caitlyn Jenner's journey during the crisis was documented by Israeli influencer Regev Gur, who shared a powerful image of Jenner in a bomb shelter on Instagram.
- As the global population watches the ongoing conflict, there is a widespread hope for a swift resolution and a return to peace, embracing 'lifestyle', 'entertainment', and 'politics' narratives about unity and harmony.