ADF ‘ready to evacuate’ Australians from Lebanon as Government urges thousands to flee as conflict escalates

Australia has ground and air military assets on standby in the Middle East, ready for any potential emergency evacuation efforts out of Lebanon, as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continues to escalate.

A day after Foreign Minister Penny Wong conceded the number of Australians still in Lebanon was “beyond (the) capacity” of Government assistance and increased her warning for people to leave, The Nightly understands the Australian Defence Force has contingency plans ready to roll out should the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade give the orders.

The United Kingdom overnight deployed 700 troops to Cyprus, backed up by air and naval assets, in case an emergency evacuation of Britons is required.

It follows Israel launching hundreds of air strikes in southern Lebanon this week, killing more than 500 people and displacing tens of thousands more in the deadliest escalation of the cross-border conflict with Hezbollah since 2006.

Senator Wong had earlier confirmed to SBS World News that Australia was working with international partners on potential evacuation options, as she stressed those in Lebanon should take whatever commercial options are available to them.

“If you are able to leave, please leave. You know, whether or not it might be to a destination other than your most preferred destination,” she said.

“If you are able to leave on a commercial option, we would urge you to do so.”

Reuters reported 44 scheduled flights to and from Beirut’s international airport were cancelled on Tuesday.

There are an estimated 15,000 Australians living in Lebanon, but the real number is likely much higher with travellers.

Australia’s Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones would not confirm operational matters but reiterated the call for Australians to leave.

“Under Operation Beech, the ADF has a small number of personnel deployed to the region to support whole-of-government contingency planning and Defence remains postured to support future requirements,” he said

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also expressed frustration at how many Australians had travelled to Lebanon in recent months despite increasing warnings, saying it was “not commonsense”.

It’s understood that the ADF does not have any naval vessels in the region, but there are reports ferries have been sourced from the region and Europe to transport people from Beirut to Cyprus in the event the airport closes.

There are also a number of ADF personnel in Lebanon, some of whom are involved in United Nations peacekeeping missions.

Israel’s defence minister Yoav Gallant has foreshadowed “more strikes” against Hezbollah in the days and weeks ahead and says the offensive is working.

Senator Wong and Mr Albanese have in recent days called for a “de-escalation”.

However the Lebanese Muslim Association has demanded immediate action from the Australian government.

“Lebanon is under siege. Entire families are being torn apart by Israeli airstrikes that show no regard for civilian life. Homes are being obliterated, lives are being shattered, and Australians with family in Lebanon are living in anguish - fearing for their loved one’s safety,” Secretary Gamel Kheir said.

“They feel powerless, abandoned, and unheard, as their homeland is torn apart before their very eyes.

“We call for support to be provided to Australian citizens impacted by this crisis.”