The Canadian Armed Forces are preparing to deploy additional troops to the Middle East in response to escalating tensions in Lebanon, primarily to facilitate the potential evacuation of Canadian citizens.
This decision follows a warning order issued on Wednesday night, which requires troops to be ready to leave Canada within 48 hours. Approximately 45,000 Canadians are currently in Lebanon, and the situation has become increasingly volatile due to ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
In light of the recent violence, which has resulted in nearly 700 deaths in Lebanon—including two Canadians—Canada has been urging its citizens to leave via commercial flights. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly emphasized that commercial options remain the safest means of departure as the situation deteriorates.
To support evacuation efforts, Canada and Australia have jointly rented a cruise ship specifically for this purpose. The Canadian government has also pre-positioned military assets and is coordinating closely with regional partners to ensure a swift response if an evacuation becomes necessary.
Defence Minister Bill Blair confirmed that around 150 additional Canadian Armed Forces members are being deployed and that contingency plans are in place for a large-scale evacuation operation.
The conflict has intensified since the deadly Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, prompting Hezbollah to launch thousands of rockets into Northern Israel. Over 80,000 Israelis have been evacuated from their homes as a result.
In response to the escalating hostilities, Canada, the U.S., and other allies have called for a 21-day ceasefire; however, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that military operations will continue until peace is restored.
The Canadian government’s preparations echo past evacuations, notably during the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, where approximately 14,370 Canadians were evacuated.
As tensions continue to rise, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reiterated the importance of leaving Lebanon as soon as possible, urging those in the country to prioritize their safety as the government remains committed to assisting Canadians abroad while advocating for de-escalation and protection of civilians in the region.