The U.S. Embassy in Lebanon released a video urging Americans to evacuate the country while they have the chance, as Israel readies to respond to the Lebanon-based, Iran-supported Hezbollah militants following a rocket strike over the weekend that resulted in 12 casualties at a children’s soccer field.
This situation arises as Air France has halted all flights to and from Beirut, anticipating a potential major conflict. Other airlines, including German carrier Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, and Eurowings, have also suspended their services.
“We advise U.S. citizens to formulate a crisis response plan and depart before a crisis escalates,” Rena Bitter, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, stated in the video. “Utilizing regularly scheduled commercial transportation is the most advisable approach while local communications and transport networks remain stable and functional.”
“In the event that commercial flights are unavailable, those currently in Lebanon should be ready to stay put for extended periods,” she cautioned.
ISRAEL PREPARES TO RESPOND TO HEZBOLLAH AFTER TERROR ATTACK: ‘THE RESPONSE WILL BE SWIFT, HARSH, AND PAINFUL’
Assistant Secretary of State Rena Bitter is urging Americans to leave Lebanon as Israel prepares to retaliate against Hezbollah for a weekend rocket attack. (US Embassy in Lebanon | Gil Eliyahu)
Bitter also stated: “I want to assure you that Washington is intensely focused on Lebanon,” adding that “the U.S. Department of State prioritizes the safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad above all else.”
She advised Americans in Lebanon to register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive travel updates.
“Additionally, if family members plan to visit you in Lebanon this summer, please encourage them to rethink their travel plans due to the potential difficulties in departing if regional conflicts escalate,” Bitter concluded.
TURKEY’S ERDOGAN THREATENS TO INVADE ISRAEL AMID GROWING REGIONAL TENSIONS
Security forces and medics respond to casualties from the rocket strike in Majdal Shams village, Israel, on July 27. (Jalaa Marey/AFP via Getty Images)
In a separate message on Sunday, the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon urged “U.S. citizens traveling to or from Lebanon to closely monitor their flight status and be aware that itineraries may change rapidly and with little notice, and to make alternative arrangements.”
Early Monday, reports indicated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out a drone strike in southern Lebanon, resulting in two Hezbollah militants killed.
While the IDF has not commented on the strike, it occurred following a three-hour cabinet meeting presided over by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, during which ministers empowered the prime minister and his defense minister to decide the “manner and timing” for a military response to the deadly Hezbollah assault.
On Monday, the IDF also released footage showing a drone from Lebanese territory being intercepted over Israeli waters.
Furthermore, Israel’s Ministry of Defense reported that Defense Minister Yoav Gallant discussed the rocket attack on the Majdal Shams village with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Monday.
Israel is poised to respond to the rocket assault, which it attributes to Hezbollah. (Alaa Marey/AFP via Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Minister Gallant informed the Secretary about the deployment of an Iranian missile, armed with 50KG of explosives, and discussed the information presented by the IDF, confirming Hezbollah’s culpability for the attack,” the ministry further elaborated.
Fox News’ Benjamin Weinthal contributed to this report.
