Israel, Lebanon, Syria: Violence across the shared border between Israel, Lebanon, and Syria likely through at least late October /update 5

Event

Fighting along Israel's northern border with Lebanon and Syria will likely persist through late October. Foreign governments are also likely to adjust advisories in relation to developments and assessments. There have been periodic reports of violence since Hamas launched attacks against military and civilian targets in southern Israel on Oct. 7. The impacts in northern Israel have largely been felt near these shared borders. Israeli retaliatory fire has impacted sites across southern Lebanon; in Syria, cross-border fire and targeted Israeli airstrikes deep inside Syria have occurred. Additional Israeli military forces have been deployed to the northern border. Lebanon-based militants have also reportedly deployed additional forces to the shared border with Israel.

Several foreign governments have issued updated travel advisories and increased the threat level for Lebanon and Israel in relation to developments and assessments. Additional governments could issue travel advisories updates in the coming days.

Syria-Israel
Cross-border fire involving Israeli military and Syrian military forces is likely to occur periodically in the Golan Heights region. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) is also likely to continue a campaign of targeting sites deeper within Syria. On Oct. 12, Israel targeted Damascus International Airport (DAM) and Aleppo International Airport (ALP), damaging both landing strips and putting the airports out of service. On Oct. 14, the IDF targeted ALP again, injuring five people. On Oct. 16, Syrian officials reported that ALP had resumed service. On Oct. 18, officials indicated that DAM would return to service later in the day. Syrian officials have noted that Bassel al-Assad International Airport (LTK), which serves Latakia, is open for flights.

The Syrian government has declared three days of mourning Oct. 18-20 in response to an attack on a hospital in Gaza on Oct. 17 which, resulted in hundreds of casualties. Disruptions to business and state operating hours are possible.

Lebanon-Israel
Cross-border fire involving Israeli military forces and Lebanon-based militants, including Iran-backed Hezbollah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), will likely persist. As of Oct. 18, several people have been killed and injured near the shared border in both countries since the outbreak of hostilities on Oct. 7.

On Oct. 16, Israeli officials announced the activation of a plan to evacuate residents who live within 2 km (1.2 miles) of the shared border with Lebanon in northern Israel. The impacted communities include Reger, Dishon, Kfar Yuval, Margaliot, Metula, Avivim, Dobb, Ma'ayan Baruch, Baram, Manara, Yiftah, Malkiah, Meshgav Am, Yaraon, Dafna, Arab al Aramsha, Shlomi, Natua, Ya'ara, Shtula, Matat, Zerait, Shumera, Batzat, Adamit, Rosh Hankara, Kfar Giladi, and Hanita.

On Oct. 15, Israeli officials declared the shared border area with Lebanon a 'closed military zone.' Civilians cannot enter an area within 4 km (2.5 miles) of the shared border with Lebanon.

Foreign Government Advisories - Lebanon

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) issued an updated travel advisory on Oct. 17. It noted that British nationals "should consider whether they need to remain in Lebanon and, if not, leave by commercial means while they are still available." They also noted that Lebanese tourist visas would be valid for one month rather than three. The French government issued an updated advisory Oct. 17, warning that it was not recommended to travel to the country unless it was essential. The US government has also updated its advisory for Lebanon and now advises "Do Not Travel." The US government has also authorized the departure of family members of US government personnel and some non-emergency personnel. The Canadian government advises against nonessential travel to Lebanon and against travel to areas south of the Litani River.

Disruptions
In the coming days, further movement restrictions or evacuations may be announced in the Israel, Syria, or Lebanon border region. The movement of military personnel and checkpoints will also likely disrupt travel along primary and secondary road routes. Fighting could impact utilities, including power and water supply. Foreign governments will almost certainly issue updated advice to their nationals in response to developments and assessments over the coming days.

Context

Tensions along Israel's northern borders with Lebanon and Syria have increased markedly since Oct. 7. The potential for escalation is high and could be triggered by a successful and impactful militant infiltration into northern Israel, any significant increase in cross-border rocket fire from Lebanon or Syria into Israel, or Israeli military action targeting key sites in either Lebanon or Syria. Should escalation occur, Israeli military strikes could expand further into Lebanon against critical infrastructure and militant targets, including in the Beirut area. Israeli strikes could also escalate against Syrian military and infrastructure targets, including but not limited to military bases and airports.

Advice

Consider avoiding nonessential travel near the Israel-Lebanon-Syria border until the situation stabilizes. Monitor local media and abide by security forces' directives. If incoming mortar rounds or rockets are reported or warning sirens sound in the general vicinity, report to the nearest bomb shelter and await further instructions from authorities. If there is no shelter nearby, stay indoors and away from windows and exterior walls. If possible, move to a ground floor or basement. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Reconfirm the status of transport services before departure. Review and update contingency plans.

Resources

IDF Online
French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (Lebanon)
Official Government of Canada travel information and advice
UK FCDO Lebanon
US Department of State (Lebanon)