Indian Embassy Advises 'Caution' For Nationals In Lebanon Amid Escalating Israel-Hezbollah Tensions

Amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, the Indian Embassy in Beirut urges nationals in Lebanon to exercise caution and contact the embassy for updates.

Representational Image | Israeli officials have indicated a desire to avoid an all-out war, despite preparing for potential short-term conflict in Lebanon.

Source : unaa.org.au

The Indian embassy in Beirut has issued an advisory urging Indian nationals in Lebanon to "exercise caution" and maintain contact with the embassy amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. The advisory, issued on Monday, stated, "In view of the recent developments in the region, all Indian nationals in Lebanon and those planning to travel to Lebanon are advised to exercise caution and remain in contact with Embassy of India in Beirut through their email id: cons.beirut@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +96176860128."

Israeli Drone Strike Kills Two in Lebanon

Two died while three others, including a child, were injured in an Israeli drone strike near the southern Lebanese town of Shaqra on Monday, the country's state-owned news agency (NNA). This marks the first deadly Israeli strike on Lebanon since an incident on Saturday, which Israel attributes to a Hezbollah rocket attack that killed 12 in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights—a claim Hezbollah has denied.

According to news agency Reuters, Israeli officials have indicated a desire to avoid an all-out war, despite preparing for potential short-term conflict following the rocket strike on a Druze village sports field. "The estimation is that the response will not lead to an all-out war," a diplomatic source told Reuters, adding that such escalation is not in Israel's interest at this time.

The ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah have raised concerns of a broader conflict. Israel's security cabinet has authorised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant to determine the nature and timing of a response. Reports from Yedioth Ahronoth suggest the response could range from limited attacks on infrastructure to targeting Hezbollah weapons depots or commanders.

The conflict has led to significant displacement, with tens of thousands of people leaving their homes on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border. The situation has been further exacerbated by the Gaza war, which has intensified hostilities to levels not seen since the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, stressed the importance of preventing further escalation. They discussed diplomatic efforts to allow citizens on both sides to return home and ongoing attempts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza. Germany has also called on all parties, especially Iran, to avoid escalation.

Israel & Hezbollah Conflict, Impact on Civil Aviation

Both Israel and Hezbollah have been cautious to avoid a full-scale war since the exchanges of fire began in October. Despite denials from Hezbollah regarding the rocket that killed the children in the Golan Heights, the group admitted to firing a missile at a military target in the contested area, Reuters reported.

Flights at Beirut's international airport have faced cancellations and delays due to the potential for an Israeli response. The Israeli military reported downing a drone that crossed from Lebanon into the Western Galilee area on Monday. 

Israeli strikes have claimed the lives of approximately 350 Hezbollah fighters and over 100 civilians, including medics, children, and journalists, as per security and medical sources and a Reuters tally. The death toll among civilians killed in Hezbollah attacks has risen to 23 since October, alongside at least 17 Israeli soldiers.