French Helicopter Carrier Deploys to Eastern Mediterranean Amid Lebanon Tensions

A French helicopter carrier is set to arrive in the eastern Mediterranean within the next week in preparation for a potential evacuation of foreign nationals from Lebanon. The move comes amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. France has already dispatched the Dixmude helicopter carrier from Toulon.

A French helicopter carrier is slated to arrive in the eastern Mediterranean in the coming days to prepare for a possible evacuation of foreign nationals from Lebanon, according to a French army spokesperson on Tuesday.

Western nations are exploring options to ensure the safe evacuation of their citizens if a full-scale conflict erupts in Lebanon, with Cyprus and potentially Turkey considered as safe havens for thousands.

Israel has reported intense clashes with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon as its paratroopers and commandos conducted raids following airstrikes against Hezbollah's leadership. France, with around 20,000 citizens in Lebanon, deployed the Dixmude helicopter carrier from Toulon on Monday, the spokesperson added.

(With inputs from agencies.)