Japan Warns Its Citizens: Do Not Travel to Israel and Leave Lebanon

As tensions escalate in the Middle East, Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, August 7, urged its citizens to refrain from traveling to Israel. The ministry had previously requested Japanese citizens in Lebanon to leave the country on Monday. Earlier, the United States and the United Kingdom had also urged their citizens to leave Lebanon immediately on Saturday, August 5. The U.S. Embassy in Beirut, in a statement referring to the cancellation of many international flights to and from Lebanon, advised American citizens wishing to leave Lebanon to purchase any available ticket, 'even if that flight is not immediate or not their preferred route.' The U.S. Embassy also recommended that American citizens who do not intend to leave Lebanon prepare for emergencies and long-term sheltering. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem warned American citizens in Israel on Friday, August 4, that the security situation in the region is complex and could change rapidly. It urged U.S. citizens to plan for an exit from Israel as soon as possible, considering the potential for increased regional tensions and flight cancellations. In this context, the British government on Saturday issued a statement highlighting the possibility of a 'rapid deterioration of the situation' in the Middle East, urging British citizens in Lebanon to leave the country immediately. According to this statement, additional staff have been sent to Lebanon to support British Embassy employees in Beirut. The British government reminded that the escalation of conflicts in the region benefits no one and called for de-escalation and a diplomatic solution. Poland also advised its citizens on Friday to avoid travel to Iran, Israel, and Lebanon. Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, airlines 'Air Europa' and 'Iberia' from Spain, as well as French airlines, announced the cancellation of their flights on Saturday, August 5. On Friday, KLM Airlines canceled its flights to and from Tel Aviv for about three months, while Polish airlines reported the cancellation of eight flights to Lebanon and Israel due to the 'security situation in the region.' Senior Iranian officials, including Ali Khamenei, the leader, and Hezbollah in Lebanon, have warned that they will not leave the killings of Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas's political bureau, and Fouad Shukr, the highest military commander of Hezbollah and right-hand man of Hassan Nasrallah, unanswered. Meanwhile, Axios reported, citing three U.S. officials, that the Biden administration believes that the Islamic Republic intends to retaliate against Israel following the killing of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. According to a U.S. defense official, the escalation of tensions in the Middle East following the deaths of senior Hamas and Hezbollah officials has not prompted the Pentagon to deploy additional forces, but the United States has stationed at least 12 warships in the surrounding areas. Israel has claimed responsibility for the deadly attack on Fouad Shukr, identifying him as the perpetrator of the deadly attack in northern Israel that killed 12 Israeli children, but it has not taken responsibility for the killing of Ismail Haniyeh. At the same time, an Israeli government spokesperson said on Thursday, August 3, that Israel is prepared for any eventuality in response to threats from the Islamic Republic and its allies regarding 'revenge' for the deaths of senior Hezbollah and Hamas leaders, and will respond 'strongly' to any attack. The Iranian representation stated that Hezbollah may target Israeli civilians and military personnel in response to the killing of Fouad Shukr. Forty-eight Republican senators criticized the Biden administration for the 'delay' in sending weapons to Israel, urging an end to 'accommodating' the Islamic Republic. Yoav Gallant stated that cooperation between the U.S. and Israel against the Islamic Republic and its proxies is 'vital' for regional security. Biden remarked that the killing of Haniyeh was not beneficial for achieving a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza war. The New York Times reported that the U.S. is preparing to send more warplanes to the Middle East. Poland has warned its citizens: Do not travel to 'Iran, Israel, and Lebanon.' Regional media reported that Hezbollah is evacuating its positions in Beirut; Iranian proxies are on alert. The largest airline in India has canceled its flights to Israel for a week. France has warned its citizens to 'leave Iran immediately' amid unprecedented tensions in the Middle East. Biden and Netanyahu discussed the U.S. commitment to Israel's security against the threats from the Islamic Republic. The killing of Fouad Shukr is the heaviest blow to Hezbollah in Lebanon in 16 years. Biden administration officials stated they are working to prepare for potential attacks and diplomatic pressure against the Islamic Republic and Hezbollah. Reports indicate at least one missile hit the Ain al-Asad base. According to Iraqi and American sources, two Katyusha rockets hit the Al Asad airbase, injuring at least five American personnel. The Middle East is concerned about military action from the Islamic Republic; Biden discussed this with the King of Jordan and his national security team. U.S. officials reported the movement of missile launch platforms by Iran; a multinational coalition warned Israel to limit its response to any potential attack.