The UK Government has urged its citizens in Lebanon to consider leaving the country while commercial flights are still operational, as tensions escalate between Israel and Hezbollah. The Telegraph has learned that the British government is readying an airlift for its nationals amid the growing unrest in the region.

According to a defense source, the government is “prepared” to assist stranded Britons in an evacuation operation being organized by the Foreign Office. Foreign Secretary David Lammy has been actively involved in discussions about these preparations during an emergency Cobra meeting.

The British military has been placed on standby to facilitate a rapid evacuation, with two ships already positioned in the area to aid in this effort. Additionally, extra troops have been deployed to a Royal Air Force base in Cyprus to assist with any evacuation operations that may arise.

Officials are exploring the possibility of renting aircraft as part of the ongoing plans being developed in London. The Foreign Office has emphasized the urgency of the situation, advising British nationals to consider departing Lebanon while commercial flight options remain available.

A spokesperson for the Foreign Office stated: “The Foreign Secretary chaired a Cobra meeting this morning to assess the latest developments in Lebanon and discuss our ongoing preparedness efforts, given the high risk of escalation. The safety of British nationals is our top priority, which is why we are advising individuals to leave Lebanon now while commercial routes are still accessible.”