Netherlands not yet preparing to evacuate Dutch from Lebanon

The Netherlands has not yet begun preparing evacuations from Lebanon in case Israel attacks the country, a spokesperson for the Commander of the Armed Forces said when asked. The Ministry of Defense is following the situation closely, he said. He explained that plans are also ready for various scenarios.

The United Kingdom has hundreds of soldiers on standby to evacuate British citizens from Lebanon if necessary. Germany has called again on its civilians to leave the country. According to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Netherlands has been doing this for months after the travel advisory for the country was set to red. It is unknown how many Dutch people are in Lebanon as they do not have to register when traveling to the country.

Prime Minister Dick Schoof held discussions with ministers Casper Veldkamp (Foreign Affairs), Ruben Brekelmans (Defense), and David van Weel (Justice) after the rising tensions in the Middle East.

According to the spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, the Cabinet is constantly discussing the issue in the background.