Situation Update on Lebanon and the Wider Middle East Security Escalations

Since 23 September, Israel has intensified its air campaign targeting Hizbullah-linked interests and personnel across Lebanon, with daily airstrikes taking place country-wide, including in the southern suburbs of the capital Beirut. The air campaign killed Hizbullah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, amongst hundreds of other people. Iran has responded by launching two waves of missiles directly into Israeli territory late on 1 October. Israeli military also launched what it has called ‘limited’ ground operations into southern Lebanon on 1 October with the stated goal of dismantling Hizbullah’s infrastructure. Since then, daily clashes between Israeli forces and Hizbullah fighters have been taking place along the southern border of Nabatieh governorate.

LATEST UPDATES

• Israeli military, late on 7 October, announced its intention to expand operations to Lebanon’s coastal areas south of the Awali River. The IDF issued an evacuation warning urging people to avoid the coastline and maritime area in southern Lebanon until further notice.
• IDF deployed a fourth division (146th Reserve Division) to southern Lebanon overnight on 7-8 October. According to estimates by Israeli media, Israel has now deployed over 15,000 troops to their frontline.
• On 7 October, the Yemen-based Houthi group announced the firing of two missiles at military targets in Jaffa area (Tel Aviv district). These were intercepted by Israel.
• Following the commemorative events on 7 October, Israel reportedly intercepted over 100 rockets launched by Hizbullah along with projectiles fired by the Houthis and Hamas.
• Hizbullah’s deputy head, Naim Qassem, on 8 October gave a televised speech for the first time since the killing of the group’s leader, in which he indicated the group’s intent to continue fighting. Shortly after the speech, two airstrikes targeted against Beirut’s southern suburbs.
• The Israeli military on 8 October announced the beginning of what it has called a ‘limited’ ground operation in southwestern Lebanon, expanding from the southern Nabatieh governorate, where most clashes have been taking place in the past week.
• On 8 October, the IDF announced that over 100 rockets were launched by Hizbullah targeting Haifa city and surrounding towns. This marks the heaviest barrage fired at the city since the conflict escalated in October 2023.

For people impacted by the current tensions, we advise to consider the following:

• Defer all travel to Lebanon until further notice. Foreign nationals and business travellers currently in Lebanon should depart. Defer all travel to Libya, Syria and Yemen. 
• Transiting through the various regional hubs can continue for air travel. However, short-notice flight cancellations, re-routing of flights, and airspace closures should be accounted for. Ensure travel itineraries and business activities at the destination are flexible.
• Avoid the affected area. If you are nearby, minimise movement until the situation stabilises. In an emergency, be prepared to leave the impacted area. 
• If located in areas affected by airstrikes, consider relocation only after ascertaining the feasibility of movement, as well as the availability of secure accommodation in a location you plan to move to. Avoid known Hizbullah-affiliated facilities that airstrikes could target.
• If it is safe to move and you have confirmed accommodation, conduct an individual risk assessment and relocate to one of the areas not affected by the retaliations. Any essential movement should be conducted with the support of either local contacts or a reputable security provider to reconfirm the feasibility of journeys. 
• Do not approach or touch debris from projectiles or unexploded ordnance.
• Maintain access to multiple means of communication – including local and international SIM cards, landlines and satellite phones – due to the potential for prolonged and extensive disruption to domestic telecommunications networks. 
• Expect a heightened security force presence in the affected area and follow all official directives. 
• Minimise time spent around potential targets, including government and security force interests, political party offices, polling stations, religious sites, and symbolic foreign interests. 
• Ensure access to sufficient supplies (including water, food, medicine, cash and fuel) to be able to stand fast for up to 10 days in urban centres and up to two weeks in remote zones in the event of significant escalation. 
• Remain informed of the latest developments via verified sources, including International SOS alerts, diplomatic missions, security providers and local contacts. Do not act upon unverified information.
  
   

LEBANON
International SOS has several security partners in Lebanon, which can operate countrywide. Security partner capabilities include secure transport services, close protection, procurement of essential food supplies and the distribution and provision of satellite phones. Their abilities are subject to change and will be shaped by the security and operational environment at the time of the request. International SOS also maintains a network of vetted secure accommodation sites across Lebanon, including secure accommodation options located outside of Beirut that can be used as stand-fast locations.

ISRAEL
International SOS has six security & logistical partners in Israel, which can operate countrywide. Security partner capabilities include meet-and-greet services, ground and secure transport services, close protection, mobile patrol services, procurement of essential food supplies, and distribution. Their abilities are subject to change and will be shaped by the security and operational environment at the time of the request. International SOS also maintains a network of vetted secure accommodations in Israel.