As the Israeli military continues its heavy strikes against Hezbollah targets in southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon’s capital, the U.S. Department of State issued a significant warning. The U.S. requested that Israel avoid any attacks on Beirut International Airport and the roads leading to it.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, in a press briefing, stated, “We believe it is crucial not only for the airport to remain operational but also for the roads leading to the airport to stay open.” This is seen as a critical necessity for the evacuation of U.S. citizens and those of other nations wishing to leave Lebanon.
A security source speaking to AFP confirmed that the Israeli Air Force had conducted an attack near the airport in Beirut’s southern suburbs. Amid escalating clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, the U.S. has been organizing near-daily flights to facilitate the departure of its citizens from Lebanon.
Miller also mentioned that approximately 900 people had already left Lebanon via these flights, and available seats on commercial flights were continuing to be reserved. About 8,500 U.S. citizens had contacted the State Department for information regarding exit conditions, though this does not mean all of them intend to leave.
While Miller refrained from commenting on the legality of Israel’s attacks in Lebanon, he emphasized that the U.S. expects Israel to target Hezbollah in accordance with international humanitarian law, minimizing civilian casualties.
Previously, the U.S. had criticized the high death toll in Israel’s operations in Gaza. President Joe Biden referred to some of Israel’s actions in Gaza as “excessive,” though Washington continued to back Israel’s military operations.
The conflict, which intensified in Gaza after Hamas’ attack on October 7, appears to be spreading toward Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon. Miller confirmed U.S. support for Israel’s actions against Hezbollah but noted that Washington’s goal was not limited to small-scale military operations.
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