The German air force evacuated 64 German nationals from Israel on June 20 using two aircraft, the German defence and foreign ministries confirmed, emphasising the operation was not a "military evacuation."

The Germans are one of the few foreign governments to airlift citizens out of Israel, some of whom are dual German-Israeli nationals. The evacuations come amid escalating tensions in the region as missile exchanges continue between Iran and Israel. German authorities have maintained coordination with Israeli officials throughout the repatriation process.

"At present, two Airbus aircraft belonging to the air force are heading from Israel to Germany" carrying 64 people, particularly "families with children and other individuals," the ministries stated in a joint announcement.

The ministries clarified that this "diplomatic repatriation" was organised "in close coordination with Israeli authorities" and therefore did not constitute a "military evacuation" requiring German army intervention and parliamentary approval.

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius expressed "gratitude" to air force teams who deployed "after very short notice."

German diplomats organised the evacuation of 345 people via two special flights through Amman in previous days, according to the ministries.

Another special flight is scheduled for June 21 departing from the Jordanian capital.

The German air force is not offering a similar service for its nationals inside Iran, numbering in the dozens according to some sources in the city, with the embassy previously closing, local website LiT reported on June 19.