Several nations have advised their citizens to leave Lebanon due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. Iran has promised severe retaliation against Israel for the assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, for which Israel has not commented. This event followed the killing of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut by Israeli forces.
Western officials are concerned that Hezbollah, supported by Iran and based in Lebanon, might retaliate, potentially leading to a significant Israeli response. Diplomatic efforts by the US and other Western nations are ongoing to reduce tensions in the region.
A growing number of flights have been canceled at Beirut’s only commercial airport. Countries including the US, UK, Australia, France, Canada, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Turkey, and Jordan have urged their citizens to leave Lebanon promptly. These concerns have heightened since Hezbollah increased attacks on Israel following the deadly Hamas attacks on southern Israel on October 7, in support of Palestinians in Gaza.
Most of the violence has been limited to border areas, with both sides not interested in a broader conflict. However, Hezbollah has vowed to respond to Shukr’s assassination, which occurred in their stronghold in Beirut’s southern suburbs. This followed the death of 12 children and teenagers in a strike on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, which Israel blamed on Hezbollah, leading to Shukr’s targeted killing.
Hostilities continue with Hezbollah launching drones and rockets at Israeli targets and Israel responding with airstrikes in southern Lebanon, resulting in casualties on both sides. Additional conflicts include a stabbing attack in the Israeli city of Holon and Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, causing further deaths.
The US embassy in Beirut has advised those staying in Lebanon to prepare contingency plans and be ready to shelter in place. The Pentagon is deploying additional military assets to the region to defend Israel from potential Iranian attacks. The UK is also sending extra military and consular staff to assist with evacuations, urging its citizens to leave Lebanon while commercial flights are available.
Tensions remain high with warnings from Iranian officials of severe consequences for Israel and statements from Israeli leaders preparing the nation for challenging days ahead. The situation deteriorated after a rocket strike on a football pitch in the Golan Heights and the subsequent targeted killings of Shukr and Haniyeh, the latter during a visit to Iran.
The conflict, which began with Hamas’s attack on Israel in October, continues to escalate, with significant casualties on both sides and efforts for a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza hindered by recent developments.
