Foreign Citizens Urged to Leave Lebanon ‘As Soon As Possible’

Beirut, Lebanon — Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, several countries have issued urgent advisories for their citizens to leave Lebanon immediately. The United States, United Kingdom, France, and other nations have emphasized the need for swift evacuation due to fears of a broader conflict involving Israel, Iran, and Lebanon.

The heightened alert follows the recent assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, an act Iran attributes to Israel. This incident occurred shortly after an Israeli airstrike in Beirut killed Fu'ad Shukr, Hezbollah's top military commander. These events have significantly increased the risk of retaliatory actions by Iran and its allies, including Hezbollah, which is based in Lebanon.

The US Embassy in Lebanon has advised American citizens to secure "any available ticket" for departure. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed this urgency, stating, "British citizens should leave now." France's Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs also urged its nationals to arrange their departure "as soon as possible," citing a "highly volatile" security situation.

The region has been on edge since Iran vowed to avenge the death of Haniyeh. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, declared, "We consider it our duty to take vengeance," and ordered a direct strike on Israel. This has prompted concerns that the ongoing conflict in Gaza, now in its ninth month, could escalate into a full-scale regional war.

Hezbollah, a key player in the region, has already been involved in daily exchanges of fire with Israel. On Saturday night, the group launched 30 projectiles toward northern Israel, most of which were intercepted. The potential for Hezbollah's increased involvement in any retaliatory actions against Israel has alarmed many nations, prompting them to reinforce their travel advisories.

Several airlines, including Air France, Lufthansa, and Kuwaiti Airlines, have suspended flights to and from Lebanon, further complicating evacuation efforts. The US has responded to the potential for Iranian retaliation by deploying a carrier strike group, a squadron of fighter jets, and additional naval vessels to the Middle East. This represents one of the largest movements of US military forces to the region since the onset of the Gaza conflict.

In Israel, preparations for various scenarios are underway. Citizens have begun stockpiling essential supplies, and the Jerusalem municipality has advised residents to "clean and prepare their bomb shelters," emphasizing the need for quick access in case of an emergency.

Jordan, the only Arab country to issue a similar advisory, has also urged its nationals to leave Lebanon. The country has been involved in intercepting Iranian drones amid Iran's retaliatory actions earlier this year. Jordan's Foreign Minister is scheduled to visit Tehran for discussions on bilateral, regional, and international issues.

The situation in Lebanon is further complicated by its political instability. The country is currently without a president and is operating with a caretaker prime minister. This political vacuum has contributed to the chaotic environment at Beirut's only airport, where many travelers are scrambling to leave.

The international community remains on high alert, with calls for de-escalation growing louder. Jonathan Finer, the White House National Security Council deputy adviser, stated, "Our goal is de-escalation, our goal is deterrence, our goal is the defense of Israel." He emphasized that the US and its allies are preparing for "every possibility."

As tensions continue to rise, the urgency for foreign nationals to leave Lebanon cannot be overstated. The volatile situation underscores the fragility of peace in the region and the potential for a broader conflict that could have far-reaching consequences.