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As Israeli military operations against Hezbollah intensified in Beirut’s southern suburbs, the United States intervened Monday with a warning to Israel to refrain from targeting the city’s airport or critical infrastructure, citing concerns for regional stability.
“We think it’s very important that not only the airport be open, but that the roads to the airport be open, so that American citizens who want to leave can get out, but also citizens of other countries,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters.
Beirut’s southern suburbs were hit by an Israeli air force strike on Monday, sparking concerns due to its proximity to the city’s main airport, a security source confirmed to AFP.
The US government has launched a swift evacuation operation, employing near-daily charter flights to transport its citizens and their families to safety, as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon reaches a boiling point.
Miller disclosed that about 900 people have been evacuated through the flights so far, interestingly, with none of the flights operating at peak capacity, leaving some seats unfilled.
To augment its evacuation efforts, the US has secured a contingent of seats on commercial flights that maintain regular service, offering an additional departure option for its citizens.
Read also: Nasrallah: How Israel Deeply Infiltrated Hezbollah Sect
Some 8,500 Americans have contacted the State Department to inquire about departure conditions, but this does not mean they all wish to leave, he added.
The spokesman also refused to comment on Israeli strikes in Lebanon — and Beirut in particular — and whether or not they respected international law.
“I don’t have a characterization of them one way or the other,” he said.
“But of course, we expect them to target Hezbollah in a way that complies with international humanitarian law and minimizes civilian casualties.”
The United States has at times criticized the number of people killed by Israel in Gaza — more than 41,000 over the past year — and President Joe Biden has called some of Israel’s actions there “over the top.”
Contrary to expectations, Washington has persisted in its unwavering support for Israel’s widening military footprint, declining to adjust its policy despite growing regional tensions and international criticism.
