Over 1,000 British military troops are prepared to assist in evacuating British citizens from Lebanon amidst concerns that Israel’s conflict in Gaza could escalate into a broader regional crisis, as reported by Sky News.
A large number of soldiers, Royal Marine commandos, sailors, and aviators have already been mobilized to strengthen a crucial Royal Air Force (RAF) base in Cyprus, which would serve as a central point for any evacuation operations.
Additional military personnel in the UK are on standby to be deployed to the area at a moment’s notice.
There is a growing expectation in Whitehall that Iran and Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran in Lebanon, may soon launch retaliatory attacks against Israel. This could potentially lead the Israeli government to order a broader offensive against Lebanon, resulting in a regional conflict.
The last conflict between the two nations occurred in 2006, which necessitated a large-scale evacuation of UK citizens by sea.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Calls grow for foreigners to leave Lebanon
In preparation for the current situation, Whitehall authorities have devised various contingency plans, including the potential deployment of two warships – HMS Duncan, a Type 45 destroyer, and RFA Cardigan Bay, a significant support vessel.
Both ships are already positioned in the region and could be dispatched to the Lebanese coast to assist in the evacuation of numerous British nationals residing in the area.
Royal Navy destroyer HMS Duncan in Istanbul in 2018. Pic: Reuters
An alternate course of action could involve deploying RAF transport planes from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, to Beirut – a mission that might parallel the evacuation of British citizens and eligible Afghans from Kabul following the Taliban’s seizure of power in 2021.
In response to the crisis, the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office has been advising British nationals to depart from Lebanon while commercial travel options are still available.
People at Beirut-Rafic Al Hariri International Airport, in Beirut, Lebanon. Pic: Reuters
Several airlines have already started cancelling flights in light of the escalating tensions.
The situation has been tense since clashes erupted between Hezbollah militants and the Israel Defence Forces following attacks by Hamas, another Iran-backed militant group, in early October, leading Israel to engage in warfare in Gaza.
Read more:
Recommendation for British Citizens to Depart Lebanon as Tensions Rise in the Middle East
Israeli Military Attacks Hezbollah Sites ‘Deep Inside’ Lebanon
The tension escalated at the end of July when Israel alleged that Hezbollah carried out a missile strike hitting a soccer field, resulting in the deaths of 12 Israeli youngsters.
This incident prompted the Israeli armed forces to eliminate a high-ranking Hezbollah officer in Lebanon last week.
In a swift response, the principal political figure of Hamas was also assassinated while on a trip to Tehran – a deed for which Iran and Hamas have accused Israel.
The Israeli authorities have not officially confirmed or denied these accusations.
Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah have declared their intent to retaliate. Extensive diplomatic endeavors, spearheaded by the United States, are ongoing to avert the outbreak of a full-blown conflict in the Middle East.
Get the latest updates from the UK and worldwide by following Sky News
In April, a major catastrophe was averted when Iran launched a significant onslaught of missiles and drones towards Israel for the first time in retaliation to an alleged Israeli attack on an Iranian consular facility in Syria, resulting in the deaths of numerous top Iranian officers.
The air defenses of Israel, supported by the United States, the United Kingdom, and other allies, successfully intercepted and neutralized the majority of projectiles fired by Iran.
Preparations are being made to shield Israel’s airspace yet again, but facing a dual offensive from Iran and Hezbollah could pose a formidable challenge.
