More countries issue travel warnings for Lebanon
We reported earlier that the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Beirut encouraged all Norwegian citizens to leave Lebanon amid escalating tensions with Israel.
The Irish government also said that it “strongly advises all Irish citizens currently in Lebanon to leave now, while commercial options remain available.” “In light of the unpredictability of the situation, events could escalate throughout the country with very little warning. This could affect exit routes out of Lebanon,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said.
The US Embassy in Beirut told its citizens to “monitor their flight status closely, to be aware that itineraries could change with little or no warning, and to make alternate plans” after Lebanon’s MEA company changed its flight schedule citing security concerns. “The security environment in Lebanon remains complex and can change quickly,” it added.
In Lebanon, all eyes are on Israel and what it may do next
In recent hours, Israel has carried out several air strikes on southern Lebanon, as well as a drone strike on eastern Lebanon. We understand that a building was hit but there are no reported casualties.
Hezbollah has also said that it’s targeted Israeli positions.
Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib said the Lebanese government has spoken to the United States urging restraint from Israel and he also said the United States has passed a message to the Lebanese government urging them to tell Hezbollah to also show restraint. He added that a significant attack by Israel will lead to a regional war.
Both sides have said that they don’t want an all-out-war but are prepared for it. So tensions are high. The Middle East Airlines, one of the main carriers here in Lebanon, has said they’ve delayed some of their flights so that they don’t land here late at night during the early hours of the morning.
Now, people here do think that this is a tipping point and all eyes are on Israel, about where they will attack, who they will attack, and if that will lead to an escalation.
