US, UK, Germany Warn Against Travel to Lebanon as Tensions With Israel Mount

The United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries are recommending their citizens to refrain from traveling to Lebanon due to heightened tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah.

According to the embassy, regional tensions could escalate, and the Lebanese government may not be able to ensure the safety of U.S. citizens in the event of sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict.

“We urge U.S. citizens to seriously reconsider travel to Lebanon,” the alert states. “The security situation is complex and can change rapidly.”

The Canadian government has also advised its citizens in Lebanon to depart while commercial flights are still operating, emphasizing that it is not a favorable time to travel to the country.

Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly mentioned that the security situation in Lebanon has become “increasingly volatile” and could deteriorate without warning due to ongoing violence between Israel and Hezbollah.

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She mentioned that Canada does not facilitate the departure or evacuation of its citizens in Lebanon, and there is no assurance that such assistance will be available in case of escalating conflict.

“Events in Lebanon are rapidly evolving. The situation has the potential to deteriorate swiftly and without warning,” the advisory emphasized.

The UK government cautioned that commercial routes out of Lebanon could face significant disruptions, and roads across the country could be shut down in the event of an escalation.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong strongly recommended Australian citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon and cautioned that Beirut airport could close suddenly if tensions rise.

As per the advisory, armed conflict between Israel and Hezbollah could “swiftly escalate or spread to other areas in Lebanon, including Beirut, with minimal notice.”

“Terrorist incidents could occur at any time and place, including in Beirut,” the alert mentioned.

Hezbollah, labeled as a terrorist organization by the United States, and operating as a political entity within the struggling Lebanese government, has intensified its actions at the Lebanese-Israeli border since October 2023.

This escalation coincides with a significant portion of Israel’s military focusing on their campaign in the Gaza Strip against Hamas, also designated as a terrorist group by the United States and Israel.

“Our aim is to prevent the opening of a second front. We are striving to avert an escalation of this conflict that could put the people of Israel and Lebanon at greater risk than they already face, especially those living near the Blue Line,” he stated.

Mr. Netanyahu expressed Israel’s willingness to pursue a diplomatic resolution with Hezbollah but insisted that one of Israel’s demands would be the “physical removal of Hezbollah from the border.”

Ryan Morgan contributed to this report.