Approximately 48 hours after the deadly strike in Majdal Shams, which Israel attributes to Hezbollah but which the latter denies instigating, fears of an Israeli retaliation that could trigger a chain reaction are at the forefront of concerns for foreign embassies in Lebanon. These embassies are increasingly updating their recommendations to their nationals.

Majdal Shams strike: US-Iranian efforts to ensure a measured response

Majdal Shams strike: US-Iranian efforts to ensure a measured response

United Kingdom

On Tuesday, the United Kingdom advised its citizens to leave Lebanon as efforts intensify to prevent an escalation between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah following the deadly attack in the occupied Golan. “We advise British nationals to leave Lebanon and not travel to the country. The situation is evolving rapidly,” wrote Foreign Secretary David Lammy on X.

“The risk is high, and the situation could deteriorate. I am working with our consular teams to prepare for all scenarios,” said the senior official, who has recently taken office following the UK general elections.

On its website, the British Embassy in Lebanon "advises against all travel" to Lebanon and encourages nationals present to "leave the country as soon as possible while commercial travel options are still available."

My message to British nationals in Lebanon is clear – leave. https://t.co/obWtG8Kzzv

— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) July 30, 2024

United States

The U.S. embassy in Beirut posted a video on its X account in which Rena Bitter, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, recommended "that American citizens develop a plan of action in the event of a crisis and leave before it begins."

“Lebanon is a valued friend of the United States ... I want to assure you that Washington is focused on Lebanon. The U.S. State Department has no priority other than the safety and security of American citizens abroad,” Bitter said. She also called on U.S. citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the State Department website and the U.S. Embassy website. “Once enrolled, you will receive alerts and updates directly from the U.S. Embassy,” she explained.

A reminder to U.S. citizens in Lebanon to enroll in STEP and other preparedness recommendations to keep you and your loved ones safe. A message from Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Rena Bitter.@TravelGov pic.twitter.com/OZNugd0bCc

— U.S. Embassy Beirut (@usembassybeirut) July 29, 2024

Bitter reiterated that “regular commercial air travel is always the best option as long as local communications and transportation infrastructure are intact and functioning normally.” “Make sure your U.S. passports are valid for at least six months,” she added. “If commercial air travel is not available, those already in Lebanon should be prepared to shelter in place for extended periods.” “Finally, if your loved ones are planning to visit you in Lebanon this summer, please strongly encourage them to reconsider their travel given the challenges that could hinder their travel if the conflict in the region escalates,” Bitter concluded.

Israel vowed Sunday to respond "forcefully" to a strike it blames on Hezbollah, which denies responsibility. The bombing killed 12 children and teenagers playing on a soccer field on Syria's annexed Golan Heights on Saturday. Israel's security cabinet authorized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to "decide how and when to respond to the Hezbollah terrorist organization." The incident has rekindled fears that the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, sparked by the Oct. 7 attack by the Palestinian Islamist movement, could spill over into Lebanon.

Germany

German nationals in Lebanon, estimated at around 1,300, have been "urgently advised" to leave the country while it is still possible, a government spokesperson said on Monday.

"We are very concerned about the situation of Germans on the ground and are preparing accordingly," the spokesperson added. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has spoken with several officials, including her Lebanese counterpart, to "mitigate the situation and prevent it from worsening," the spokesperson also noted.

Italy

The Italian Embassy in Lebanon stated that it has only partially updated its recommendations to Italian nationals, advising them to consider recent flight cancellations and changes by airlines in the coming days.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced that he has discussed the situation with his Israeli and Lebanese counterparts. "It is possible to break the cycle of violence," he wrote on X. He also noted that the Italian government is committed to peace and stability, including through Italy's presence in the UNIFIL contingent. He added that the evacuation of the approximately 3,000 Italian civilians living in Lebanon would only be necessary if the crisis worsens but encouraged Italians to leave.

Ho parlato con Ministri ??@Israel_katz e ?? Bou Habib per evitare una nuova guerra. Interrompere spirale violenza è possibile.
Governo è impegnato per pace e stabilità, anche attraverso contingente ?? @UNIFIL_ per il quale ho chiesto protezione. Rispetto ris.?? 1701 è cruciale. pic.twitter.com/IgObxMTp2E

— Antonio Tajani (@Antonio_Tajani) July 29, 2024

Switzerland

The Swiss Embassy updated its recommendations on its website on Monday, advising Swiss nationals "against traveling to Lebanon" due to the uncertainties surrounding the situation in the country. "Tensions are high and a significant deterioration of the security situation in Lebanon could occur at any time," warns Switzerland.

It also urges its citizens to "follow the travel advice from the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, to independently inform themselves about the current situation, and to follow the instructions of local authorities." "The decision to leave a crisis region is an individual one. It is made voluntarily, at your own risk and expense. If you decide to leave the country, use the available commercial transport options. For information, contact airlines directly," the embassy continued.

Cyprus

In a message posted on its website on Tuesday, the Cypriot Embassy in Lebanon stated that the island's Ministry of Foreign Affairs "is closely monitoring the situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, as well as security incidents in southern Lebanon, which could worsen across the country without prior warning." It recommends that its nationals "avoid all travel to Lebanon."

Cypriots residing in the country are also "advised to avoid all gatherings and demonstrations, remain vigilant, and follow local authorities' instructions." They are further "advised to closely follow the evolution of the situation and information from international and local media, avoid unnecessary travel, and implement maximum security measures."

Mexico

In a brief message posted on the main page of its website since Monday, the Mexican Embassy in Lebanon advises its nationals who have no compelling reason to remain in Lebanon to consider leaving while commercial flights are still available, citing the possibility that this may no longer be the case if tensions escalate.

This article originally appeared in French in L'Orient-Le Jour.