The US has urged its citizens to leave Lebanon on “any ticket available”, as fears grow that war in the Middle East may spread. The UK, Sweden, France, Canada and Jordan have issued a similar warning.
Iran has vowed “severe” retaliation against Israel, which it blames for the death of Hamas’ chief, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran on Wednesday. His assassination came hours after Israel killed Hezbollah commander, Fuad Shukr, in Beirut.
It is feared that Lebanon-based Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group, could play a heavy role in any such retaliation, which in turn could spark a serious Israeli response.
Hezbollah launched dozens of rockets at the town of Beit Hillel in northern Israel at around 00:25 local time on Sunday (21:25 GMT Saturday). Footage posted on social media showed Israel’s Iron Dome air defence system intercepting the rockets. There have been no reports of casualties. Israel’s air force responded by striking targets in southern Lebanon.
On Sunday morning, two people were killed in a stabbing attack in the Israeli city of Holon. The attacker was later“neutralised”, police said.
The US embassy stated on Saturday that those who choose to stay in Lebanon should “prepare contingency plans” and be prepared to “shelter in place for an extended period”.
It said that several airlines have suspended and cancelled flights, and many have sold out, but “commercial transportation options to leave Lebanon remain available”.
The Pentagon said it was deploying additional warships and fighter jets to the region to help defend Israel from possible attacks by Iran and its proxies.
The UK said it was sending extra military personnel, consular staff and border force officials to help with any evacuations – but urged UK citizens to leave Lebanon “while commercial flights are running”.
According to BBC.com, two British military ships are already in the region and the Royal Air Force has put transport helicopters on standby. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has said the regional situation “could deteriorate rapidly”.
