The U.S. Embassy in Lebanon has issued a warning to Americans in the region, urging them to leave the country as Israel prepares to retaliate against Hezbollah terrorists for a recent rocket attack that killed 12 people at a children’s soccer field. The embassy advised U.S. citizens to develop a crisis plan and to leave before a major crisis unfolds. Commercial transportation was recommended as the best option for departure, as airlines such as Air France, Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, and Eurowings have suspended flights to and from Beirut due to the escalating conflict.
Rena Bitter, U.S. assistant secretary of state for the bureau of consular affairs, highlighted the importance of safety and security for Americans overseas, stating that Washington is focused on the situation in Lebanon. She encouraged U.S. citizens in Lebanon to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive updates and travel alerts. Bitter also advised those already in Lebanon to be prepared to shelter in place for extended periods of time if necessary. In a separate message, the embassy advised travelers to monitor their flight status closely and be aware that itineraries could change with little warning, urging them to make alternate plans.
Following the deadly rocket attack in Lebanon, the Israel Defense Forces reportedly conducted a drone strike in southern Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of two Hezbollah terrorists. This strike took place after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was authorized to determine the manner and timing of a military response to the attack. The IDF released video footage of a drone being shot down over Israel’s waters, and Israel’s Ministry of Defense discussed evidence revealing Hezbollah’s responsibility for the rocket strike in Majdal Shams.
In a conversation with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant discussed the details of the rocket attack in Majdal Shams, including the use of an Iranian rocket equipped with explosives. The tense situation in the region has raised concerns about the potential for a wider conflict, leading the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon to urge Americans to leave before the situation worsens. The embassy’s warning, coupled with the suspension of flights by major airlines, indicates the seriousness of the escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
As regional tensions grow, Turkish President Erdogan has also threatened to invade Israel over the conflict in Gaza, further adding to the volatile situation in the Middle East. The U.S. Department of State has reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and security of American citizens overseas and advised travelers to reconsider plans to visit Lebanon in the current climate. The ongoing tensions between Israel, Hezbollah, and other regional actors highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East, underscoring the need for vigilance and preparedness among those in the region.
