Biden administration's response to evacuation in Lebanon

Despite the deteriorating security situation in Lebanon, the State Department confirmed that it is not currently evacuating American citizens, citing ongoing assessments and planning processes. The U.S. has issued a Level 4 travel advisory urging citizens to depart Lebanon, yet many remain due to the dangers of reaching the airport and the high costs of flights. Approximately 86,000 Americans and green card holders are in Lebanon, but only a small fraction have been evacuated, with around 1,100 individuals having utilized U.S.-organized flights. Critics highlight the administration’s past issues with evacuations, particularly during the Afghanistan withdrawal, and argue that a more robust noncombatant evacuation operation is necessary to ensure the safety of U.S. citizens and their families in Lebanon.

Limited Evacuation Efforts

The State Department has made around 5,000 seats available on flights for U.S. citizens, but logistical challenges have led to only about 25% of these seats being filled. Many citizens face the dilemma of leaving family members behind, as the embassy has restricted assistance primarily to U.S. citizens and immediate family members with valid visas. This has complicated the evacuation process, as many wish to leave with non-U.S. family members.

Historical Context

The current situation draws parallels to the U.S. response during the 2006 Lebanon War, when American forces were deployed to facilitate the evacuation of approximately 15,000 citizens. In contrast, the Biden administration has not yet deemed it necessary to mobilize U.S. military resources for a similar operation, despite the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in the region. The administration continues to explore diplomatic avenues, including ceasefire negotiations, but critics argue that these efforts fall short of addressing the immediate safety needs of American citizens in Lebanon.