John Kirby, White House national security communications adviser, stated that there is currently no need for American evacuations from Israel and Lebanon, according to the State Department.
During an appearance on ABC’s “This Week,” Kirby was questioned by Martha Raddatz about the readiness to evacuate Americans should the situation worsen.
Raddatz referenced the lack of preparation observed in Afghanistan and inquired whether Kirby was confident in the current plans.
Kirby assured that there are contingency plans for evacuations worldwide, emphasizing the ongoing efforts led by Secretary Lloyd Austin at the Defense Department to ensure readiness.
The White House mentioned that commercial flights are still operating out of Beirut, providing an exit option for Americans wishing to leave.
His remarks come against the backdrop of increasing tensions in the Middle East, particularly following the confirmation by Hezbollah on Saturday that its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in an Israeli strike on Friday.
The White House reiterated advice to Americans in Lebanon to leave while commercial travel options are still available.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a U.S.-backed temporary ceasefire proposal with Hezbollah, with his office clarifying on Thursday that reports of easing fighting in the north were completely unfounded.
U.S. and Israeli officials have disclosed that the United States has cautioned Israel that the assassination of Hezbollah‘s Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah could lead to a regional war.
The report indicates that prior to the Palestinian Hamas movement’s attacks on October 7, 2023, Israel had planned a preemptive strike against Hezbollah and its leader, fearing a retaliatory attack from the group.
President Joe Biden personally contacted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, advising him that assassinating Nasrallah would likely result in a regional conflict and requested restraint from conducting such strikes.
Biden stated that Washington was unaware of and did not participate in the Israeli attack that targeted the southern suburbs of Beirut.
