Factbox: Countries’ Efforts to Evacuate Nationals from Lebanon – By Reuters

A significant rise in border clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has prompted Western nations to urgently revise their contingency plans for potential evacuations from the area.

Cyprus, the nearest EU member to the Middle East, is expected to serve as a primary hub, recalling its experience during the 2006 Hezbollah-Israel conflict, when it processed around 60,000 evacuees. Neighboring Turkey has also offered assistance by providing facilities for evacuation operations.

Most of the contingency planning appears to center on sea evacuations, as this method allows for the transportation of larger groups. However, the specifics will be largely influenced by the ongoing security situation. Traveling by sea to Cyprus takes about 10 hours, while flights from Beirut to Cyprus last approximately 40 minutes.

Details of the evacuation preparations by various countries include:

Australia: Authorities have formulated contingency plans that may involve sea evacuations while advising roughly 15,000 of its citizens in Lebanon to leave as long as Beirut airport remains operational.

Canada: Reports indicate that Canada plans to collaborate with Australia to evacuate its nationals by sea, which involves hiring a commercial vessel capable of transporting around 1,000 individuals each day.

France: France, which has been advising its citizens against traveling to Lebanon, has had evacuation plans ready for several months but has not yet issued a formal evacuation order. Their plans include using Cyprus and Beirut airport for evacuations, and they are considering options through Turkey as well. A French warship is positioned in the region, and a helicopter carrier is stationed in Toulon, although it would take several days to reach Lebanon.

Germany: Germany has evacuated non-essential staff, the families of embassy workers, and German nationals deemed medically vulnerable. The country will assist others wishing to leave, with options available through commercial flights at still-open airports.

Greece: The Greek foreign ministry is urging its citizens to leave Lebanon and avoid any travel to the country, with a frigate on standby for potential assistance.

United Kingdom: Britain has issued an immediate evacuation call for its nationals and has deployed approximately 700 troops to Cyprus to enhance its military presence in the region, which also includes two Royal Navy ships and two military bases.

Italy: Italy has reduced its diplomatic staff in Lebanon and increased security at its embassy. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has consistently advised nationals to exit the country and has sought assurances from Israel regarding the safety of Italian peacekeeping forces in the region.

United States: The U.S. has dispatched a contingent of troops to Cyprus to prepare for various scenarios, including the potential evacuation of American citizens from Lebanon.

Portugal: Prime Minister Luis Montenegro has recommended against travel to Lebanon and mentioned plans for the evacuation of Portuguese citizens in coordination with EU partner countries.