Dozens of Israelis flee Egypt on emergency flight

JERUSALEM: Israel's national airline has whisked some 200 Israelis, including families of Israeli diplomats, out of Egypt on board an emergency flight to escape the chaos engulfing the Arab country.

An Israeli official said Saturday's flight included dozens of tourists as well as diplomat's families.

The official said Israeli diplomats would remain in Egypt for the time being. He spoke on condition of anonymity in line with government regulations.

A Cairo airport official confirmed that El Al arranged the special flight. El Al does not usually fly on the Jewish sabbath to appease observant Jewish passengers who do not travel on the day of rest.

El Al refused to comment. The flight reflects Israel's concerns over the situation in Egypt _ the first Arab country to reach peace with Israel.