Ground Assault in Lebanon: Concerns Mount for Safety of Indians Amid Israel-Hezbollah Conflict

The Indian embassy in Lebanon has issued a strong advisory urging all citizens to avoid traveling to the country amid escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. With Israel commencing a ground assault aimed at “destroying” Hezbollah, there are growing concerns for the safety of over 4,000 Indians currently residing in Lebanon, many of whom work in various sectors including construction and agriculture.

The Indian consulate in Beirut reports that these nationals have managed to survive Lebanon’s turbulent civil war and maintain positive relations with the country. The embassy emphasized that India’s commitment to keeping its embassy operational throughout the civil war from 1975 to 1990 has fostered goodwill among the Lebanese people. Additionally, India’s longstanding ties with the Arab world and its support for the Palestinian cause have further strengthened these relationships.

Israeli ground forces have now crossed into southern Lebanon, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. This action follows a series of Israeli airstrikes against Hezbollah, including one that reportedly killed the group’s long-time leader, Hassan Nasrallah. The current situation marks a new front in a year-long war against Iranian-backed adversaries, with the last ground engagement between Israel and Hezbollah occurring during the month-long war in 2006.

In light of these developments, the Indian embassy has reiterated its advice for all Indian nationals in Lebanon to leave as soon as possible. Those who remain are urged to exercise extreme caution, limit their movements, and stay in touch with the embassy via email or an emergency contact number provided in the advisory.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reached out to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shortly before the ground assault began, discussing the need to eliminate terrorism and restore peace in the region. Modi expressed India’s commitment to supporting efforts for a swift return to stability.

As tensions rise, Israel has declared military zones along its border with Lebanon and continues to conduct strikes, despite international calls for de-escalation. The recent violence has already displaced over 200,000 people in Lebanon, according to United Nations reports, while thousands of Israelis have also been forced to evacuate from their homes near the border.