Western Nations Gear Up for Possible Evacuation Amid Israel-Hezbollah Clashes

Amid escalating border conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Western countries are updating evacuation plans. Cyprus, having processed 60,000 evacuees in 2006, is a key hub. Australia, Canada, the UK, the US, and Portugal have detailed contingency plans, mostly focusing on sea evacuations and involvement of military assets.

In response to increased border warfare between Israel and Hezbollah, Western nations are urgently revising contingency plans for potential evacuations in the region. Cyprus, the closest EU member to the Middle East, is positioned as a primary hub, recalling its role in assisting 60,000 evacuees during the 2006 Hezbollah-Israel conflict.

Turkey has also offered facilities to support these efforts. According to a source familiar with the situation, most evacuation planning emphasizes maritime routes to move large groups efficiently, although specifics will depend on the security environment at the time. It typically takes about 10 hours to reach Cyprus by sea and 40 minutes by plane from Beirut.

Authorities across several countries have outlined their evacuation strategies: Australia, home to about 15,000 citizens in Lebanon, recommends leaving while the Beirut airport is operational and considers sea evacuation. Canada aims to transport 1,000 evacuees daily, partnering with Australia and sourcing a commercial vessel. The UK has advised its nationals to depart immediately, deploying around 700 troops to Cyprus to fortify its existing military footprint. The US has dispatched dozens of troops to Cyprus to prepare for potential evacuation scenarios. Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro also advised against Lebanon travel and detailed cooperative evacuation plans with EU partners.

(With inputs from agencies.)