The Canadian military has drawn up contingency plans to evacuate approximately 20,000 Canadians from Lebanon should the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalate into full-scale warfare, according to Gen. Wayne Eyre, the Chief of Defence Staff.
Echoes of 2006 Evacuation Efforts
Gen. Eyre compared the current situation to the 2006 conflict when Canada evacuated nearly 15,000 people from Lebanon during the war between Israel and Hezbollah. He emphasized that this evacuation would also rely heavily on support from international allies, as Canada cannot manage the operation alone.
Coordination with Allies and Government Agencies
Eyre highlighted the role of Global Affairs Canada in spearheading the response, with allied military leaders having met recently to discuss logistics and safety measures. This coordination is crucial given the complexities involved in such large-scale evacuations.
Urgent Advisory from Foreign Affairs Minister
On Tuesday, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly urged Canadians to leave Lebanon as soon as possible, reinforcing the urgency of the situation. This warning came after discussions with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, who noted that Canada might need to evacuate up to 45,000 people.
Potential Maritime Evacuation Plan
Eyre detailed that the evacuation would likely follow a maritime route, similar to the 2006 operations, with evacuees transported by sea to Cyprus before flying back to Canada. The Canadian government had previously rented a high-speed ferry for potential evacuation operations last fall.
Preparation Amid Escalating Tensions
A Canadian military team is currently in Lebanon, working with the embassy in Beirut to prepare for potential evacuations. Another team is in Cyprus, updating evacuation plans and ensuring aircraft maintenance is in order.
Hezbollah’s Threats and Strategic Considerations
Despite Hezbollah’s recent threats against Cyprus if it assists Israel, Eyre dismissed these threats as not credible. He affirmed there are no known plans for Cyprus to be used as a base for offensive operations by any involved parties.
As tensions rise and the prospect of war looms, Canada is making extensive preparations to ensure the safety of its citizens in Lebanon, reflecting the lessons learned from the 2006 evacuation.