US Ready To Evacuate Americans From Lebanon If War Erupts

(RepublicanReport.org) – In August 2006, the State Department and the Department of Defense (DoD) evacuated almost 15,000 American citizens from Lebanon after conflict broke out between Hezbollah and Israel. Lebanon borders Israel to the north. Now, reports from three US defense officials reveal that the Pentagon is preparing to do that again.

On June 27, the US Embassy in Beirut released a warning for US citizens to reconsider traveling to Lebanon, as the “security environment remains complex” and could change rapidly. A 2022 report from the State Department noted there were about 86,000 Americans living in the country. US officials reported that the situation between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah is once again intensifying, and the United States has deployed a Marine unit into the Mediterranean to stand at the ready for possible evacuations.

The 24th Expeditionary Unit is aboard the USS Wasp, an amphibious assault ship. The vessel joined another US military ship already in the Mediterranean Sea — the USS Oak Hill, a dock landing ship. The unit is meant to be a deterrent in its current position but is reportedly ready to start evacuations if necessary.

The problem between Hezbollah in Lebanon and Israel is taking place at the border where the two nations meet. US officials worry that Israel could release air strikes and perhaps a ground offensive in Lebanon to push Hezbollah away from its border.

While Israel is not interested in participating in another conflict and would like to resolve the issue through discussions and resolutions, the country isn’t ruling out force if diplomatic solutions fail. Israel wants to return its people who reside in the north back to their homes. Around 60,000 fled the region because of rocket fire from Hezbollah.

White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said reducing tensions at the Israel/Lebanon border is a “top priority” for the US. White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby said the situation is being monitored closely.