The United States issued a warning to Israel on Monday, urging them not to target Beirut’s airport or the surrounding roads as the Israeli military intensified strikes against Hezbollah in the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller emphasised the importance of keeping the airport and its access routes open for the safe evacuation of American citizens and other nationals wishing to leave Lebanon.
“We think it’s crucial that both the airport and the roads leading to it remain open so Americans and citizens from other countries can depart safely,” Miller told reporters.
On the same day, the Israeli Air Force launched an attack near Beirut’s international airport in the city’s southern suburbs, according to a security source cited by AFP.
Over the past week, the U.S. has been organising daily charter flights to help its citizens and their families leave Lebanon as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group, intensifies. So far, around 900 people have taken these flights, though Miller noted that none of the flights have been fully booked. The U.S. has also reserved seats on commercial flights that are still operating.
Miller added that approximately 8,500 U.S. citizens have contacted the State Department to inquire about the conditions for leaving Lebanon, but this figure does not necessarily represent the number of people planning to depart.
When asked about the legality of Israeli strikes in Lebanon, particularly those in Beirut, Miller declined to provide specific comments.
“I don’t have a characterization of them one way or the other,” he said, but added that the U.S. expects Israel to target Hezbollah in compliance with international humanitarian law and to minimize civilian casualties.
While the U.S. has occasionally criticised the number of casualties resulting from Israeli military actions in Gaza, President Joe Biden has labelled some of Israel’s actions there as “excessive.” However, the U.S. has not altered its policy of supporting Israel amid its expanding military operations.
Israel’s broad military campaign was launched in response to a deadly attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7, 2023. The scope of Israel’s operations has since expanded from the Gaza Strip, where Hamas is based, to include strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Miller reiterated the U.S. support for Israel’s operations against Hezbollah, while also noting the long history of such military interventions. “We are very aware of the many instances in the past where Israel has entered what initially appeared to be limited operations, only to stay for months or even years. That is not the outcome we wish to see,” he stated.