US Administration Criticized for Delayed Evacuation of Citizens from Lebanon
The Biden administration has been criticized for its slow response in assisting American citizens in Lebanon amidst the ongoing conflict. Other nations initiated evacuation measures over a week ago, particularly as Israel started intensifying airstrikes on Beirut and the threat of an Israeli ground invasion became apparent.
US Evacuation Efforts Underway
White House spokesperson, Karine Jean-Pierre, has confirmed that the US is now working to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon, albeit later than other nations. According to Al Jazeera, Jean-Pierre stated that the US embassy in Beirut is operational and can assist Americans requiring emergency passports or other documentation.
Jean-Pierre further stated that the US will continue to provide aircraft for evacuation as long as Beirut airport remains functional. Currently, the airport is witnessing an increased number of military transport flights dispatched by foreign governments to evacuate their citizens.
Lebanese National Carrier Continues Operations
Middle East Airlines, the Lebanese national carrier, is the only airline that continues to operate flights in and out of the airport, despite Israeli bombs falling on nearby south Beirut.
A few days ago, US State Department officials reported that approximately 8,000 Americans in the country have contacted the US Embassy seeking assistance. Tragically, a Lebanese-American has already lost their life in the Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon.
Rena Bitter, the assistant secretary of consular affairs at the State Department, stated, "Because we recognize that some flights are a little bit limited, we have organized U.S. flights, U.S.-organized flights to be able to augment commercial availability."
International Airlines Avoiding Israeli Airspace
While most Western and international airlines have suspended service to Beirut, an increasing number are also steering clear of Israeli airspace. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued a warning on Wednesday for airlines to urgently implement strict risk monitoring procedures for flights within Israeli airspace.
The European Commission and EASA have updated the Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB) for Israel. The revised CZIB urges air operators to implement a stringent monitoring process and risk assessment for each flight intending to operate within Israeli airspace.
Increased Risk from Ballistic Missile Launches
The danger in the region is not only due to the active state of war between Lebanon's Hezbollah and Israel. The risk of direct ballistic missile launches between Iran and Israel is also escalating. The Netanyahu government continues to promise 'precise' and 'deadly' major strikes on Iranian targets, although the timeline for this remains uncertain.
Bottom Line
The delay in the US administration's response to the escalating conflict in Lebanon has raised concerns. While other nations acted swiftly to evacuate their citizens, the US has been criticized for its slower reaction. However, evacuation efforts are now underway and the US embassy in Beirut is providing assistance to American citizens in the country.
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