An image of the U.S. Embassy's planned main campus access pavilion and the chancery. (Credit: U.S. Embassy in Lebanon website)
BEIRUT — The U.S. Embassy in Lebanon denied that it sent out a message asking people to stay indoors in anticipation of Israeli strikes, U.S. spokesperson at the U.S. Embassy Sama Habib confirmed to L’Orient Today.
A text message has been received by people this morning, advising people to "stay at home" and to "remain vigilant."
The message read: "Due to the early morning attack on Tel Aviv from Lebanon, Israel has stated that any assault on Tel Aviv will be met with a response targeting Beirut and its southern suburbs. Please follow these instructions: If you must leave your home for emergencies only, avoid all bridges, the airport, seaport, army bases, highways, the western suburbs of Beirut and Electricite du Liban (EDL) branches in Joumhour, Jdeideh, Bsalim, Zouk, Jeita, Deir Zahrani, Deir Ammar, the lighthouse in Ras Beirut and the naval base in downtown."
The U.S. spokesperson told L'Orient Today this message “did not come from USAID or the U.S. Embassy.”
As of Monday morning, Israeli airstrikes continue to devastate southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, with the latest death toll provided last night by the Health Minister reaching more than 500.
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