On Sunday, several countries, including the US, UK, and France, issued urgent travel advisories urging their citizens to either avoid or leave Lebanon immediately.
This advisory comes amid rising tensions following a rocket attack in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, which has led Israel to consider military action against the Lebanese Hezbollah group.
The US Embassy in Lebanon advised American travelers to monitor their flight statuses closely due to potential changes and to make alternate plans if needed. The embassy highlighted the complex and rapidly evolving security situation in Lebanon, recommending that US citizens reconsider their travel plans and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for updates and emergency assistance.
France condemned the attack on Majdal Shams in the Israeli-occupied Golan and expressed condolences to the victims' families. The French government also called for measures to prevent further escalation and reiterated its advice for French nationals to avoid travel to Lebanon, Israel, or the Palestinian Territories.
The UK Foreign Office updated its advisory to British nationals, urging them to exercise extreme caution and avoid all travel to Lebanon. Similarly, Germany and the Netherlands have advised their citizens to leave Lebanon urgently due to the escalating conflict and volatile security situation.
Norwegian authorities also urged their citizens to leave Lebanon, noting that travel options may become limited if the situation worsens. Sweden and Belgium have issued similar warnings, emphasizing the high risk and urging citizens to leave Lebanon.
Australia reiterated its travel warning, advising citizens to leave Lebanon while commercial flights are still available due to the unstable security environment. The Australian government highlighted the potential for airport closures, which could further limit exit options.
The escalation of tensions follows a missile strike in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, which killed 12 people. Israeli media reported that the Israeli army is considering more severe military actions against Hezbollah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that Hezbollah will face severe consequences for the attack.
These developments come amid ongoing conflict and violence in the region, including a deadly Israeli assault on Gaza that has resulted in significant casualties.
