Urgent travel warning for Australians in Lebanon in light of the conflict with Israel

The Australian government has tightened its travel warnings for Lebanon and is urging people to leave the country immediately while commercial flights are still available.

The official travel warning for Lebanon has been in place since October, but on Friday the Australian government warned that a trip may soon no longer be an option.

“Australians in Lebanon should leave the country immediately while commercial flights are still available,” the updated advisory said.

“The security situation could deteriorate rapidly throughout Lebanon with little or no warning.”

The airlines have now cancelled flights.

“You should take the first available flight and not wait for a preferred route,” the advice continues.

“Beirut airport could be closed and you might not be able to leave for an extended period of time.”

“If you choose not to leave the country during commercial flight operations, you must expect to shelter in place for an extended period of time.”

Smoke rises in the Marjayoun plain in southern Lebanon after being hit by Israeli artillery fire.

The increasingly dangerous situation is due to air strikes, rockets and missiles.

In July, Israel attacked buildings in the Lebanese capital Beirut, killing a Hezbollah commander, a woman and two children.

Until August 25, tensions between Lebanon and the military of neighboring Israel simmered.

On that day, Israel said it launched a preemptive attack on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, using 100 jets to attack thousands of Hezbollah launch sites.

At least 15 Lebanese towns were hit in Israel's biggest attack on Hezbollah since October 8, Al Jazeera reported.

Later that morning, Hezbollah fired 340 rockets at Israel.

“Terrorist attacks could occur at any time and anywhere, including in Beirut,” warns the Australian government.

“If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Lebanon, you can register on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Crisis Registration Portal.”