The US Department of Defense is moving its forces closer to the Israeli-Lebanese border to immediately evacuate its citizens from Lebanon if necessary, NBC reported citing sources.
According to the report, Washington fears that Israel could launch a ground operation in Lebanon in the coming weeks.
On Wednesday, the US Navy’s multirole amphibious assault ship USS Wasp and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit moved to the Mediterranean.
Moreover, the dock ship USS Oak Hill is also located in the area. In addition, US officials remain in contact with allies to jointly coordinate an evacuation if necessary.
It was previously reported that the Israeli army approved the operational plan for the offensive against Lebanon in mid-June. After the operation against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the country’s authorities expect to attack the Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah at the same time.
The German Foreign Ministry has issued an appeal to German citizens residing in Lebanon to leave the country immediately due to rising tensions and escalation between Lebanon and Israel.
This information was published on the website of the Ministry on Wednesday evening.
The German foreign minister was in Lebanon on Tuesday.
The Dutch Foreign Ministry announced on Friday that travel to Lebanon was unsafe, while Austria also warned its citizens against traveling there in early May.
