The United States issued a warning to Israel on Monday, urging it not to target Beirut airport or the roads leading to it, as Israeli forces intensified strikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Beirut.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller emphasized the importance of keeping the airport and its access roads open to facilitate the evacuation of U.S. citizens and others. “We believe it’s crucial for the airport and the roads to remain accessible, so American citizens and those from other countries can leave,” Miller said during a press briefing.
On the same day, Israeli airstrikes targeted areas near the airport in Beirut’s southern suburbs, according to a security source cited by AFP. Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, the U.S. has been organizing near-daily evacuation flights for its citizens. Around 900 people have already departed Lebanon through these flights, though none have been fully booked, Miller noted.
Additionally, the U.S. has been securing seats on commercial flights still operating from Beirut. Approximately 8,500 Americans have contacted the State Department about departure conditions, though Miller clarified that not all of them may wish to leave the country.
While refraining from commenting directly on Israel’s actions in Lebanon, Miller stressed that any Israeli military operations must comply with international humanitarian law and minimize civilian casualties. He also reiterated U.S. support for Israel’s military efforts against Hezbollah, despite past concerns about the duration of Israeli military operations in the region.
The escalation comes in the wake of Israel’s large-scale military campaign, which was launched in response to a deadly Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. While initially focused on Gaza, the conflict has expanded to include Hezbollah in Lebanon. Despite concerns about Israel’s broader involvement, Washington continues to back its military actions.
