Australia offers financial aid for citizens to leave Lebanon as Israel launches ground operation

Australia is financially assisting some citizens to leave Lebanon as Israel begins a ground incursion. Approximately 15,000 Australians are in Lebanon, and plans for an emergency evacuation have been in place for months. Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport remains open, with Australian diplomatic staff helping citizens board flights. The Australian government is prepared to charter flights if commercial options become unavailable. The situation in Lebanon is tense, with significant casualties reported. Australian officials continue to advise citizens to leave as soon as possible, emphasizing the availability of commercial flights.