Switzerland warns its citizens against non-essential travel to Israel, Lebanon

By Faruk Zorlu

Switzerland urged its citizens on Monday to avoid non-essential travel to Israel and recommended leaving Lebanon as the security situation deteriorates in both countries.

In posts on X, the Swiss Foreign Ministry issued travel warnings for the two countries, citing uncertain and potentially dangerous situations in both places.

For Israel, the ministry said "the situation is uncertain, and further deterioration of security is possible."

As a result, it advised against "non-essential travel" to the country. The Swiss Embassy in Tel Aviv remains open but is offering limited assistance in emergencies, it said.

"The situation is uncertain and dangerous. Travel is not recommended. If you're there, leave the country, if possible, using commercial means. The embassy in Beirut remains open for limited assistance," it said.

The Swiss Embassy in Beirut also remains open but with limited assistance available, it added.

Israel has launched a barrage of airstrikes into southern and eastern Lebanon, with Lebanese health authorities saying at least 492 people have been killed, including 35 children, and 1,645 injured in the attacks since Monday morning, which have also forced thousands of civilians to flee their homes.

Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in cross-border warfare since the beginning of Israel's war on Gaza, which has killed over 41,400 people, the majority of whom are women and children, following a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7 last year.

Israeli forces intensified their attacks on Lebanon, ignoring the international community's warnings that they would risk spreading the Gaza conflict to other regions.