Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force has deployed two C-2 transport planes to Jordan and Greece, preparing for a possible evacuation of Japanese citizens from Lebanon amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. Approximately 50 Japanese nationals are currently in Lebanon, prompting the formation of a 500-member task unit following orders from the former Defense Minister. The situation escalated after Israel initiated ground operations against Hezbollah, while Iran retaliated with missile strikes on Israel.
On Thursday, Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force dispatched two C-2 transport planes from Miho Air Base, located in the Tottori prefecture, to meet the potential need for evacuating Japanese citizens from Lebanon amid escalating tensions between Israel and the Iranian-sponsored militant group Hezbollah. As indicated by the Ministry of Defense, these aircraft are en route to Jordan and Greece, where they will remain on standby. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reported that approximately 50 Japanese nationals are currently in Lebanon. In response to deteriorating conditions, the Defense Ministry has assembled a 500-member joint task unit, as directed by former Defense Minister Minoru Kihara on September 27, to facilitate the deployment of these aircraft. Additionally, Japan has been working to secure permission from various nations to traverse their airspace. The situation in Lebanon has intensified following Israel’s announcement on Tuesday regarding the initiation of “limited, localized” ground operations against Hezbollah, marking Israel’s first ground offensive in Lebanon since 2006. This development is set against a backdrop of deadly detonations targeting Hezbollah personnel along with Israeli aerial strikes on the group’s leadership in Beirut, resulting in significant casualties, including the reported death of Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Consequently, Iran launched ballistic missiles aimed at Israel, further escalating tensions in the region. Japan, which heavily relies on crude oil imports from the Middle East, has historically adhered to a policy of “balanced diplomacy” between Arab nations and Israel, its ally supported by the United States. This marks Japan’s eighth operation to airlift its nationals from volatile situations abroad, including two previous missions from Israel following a surprise attack by Hamas last year.
The evacuation of Japanese citizens from Lebanon comes against a backdrop of increasingly volatile geopolitical tensions in the region. Recently, Israeli ground operations against Hezbollah have reignited concerns for the safety of foreign nationals residing in Lebanon. Japan’s strategic approach emphasizes a balance in its diplomatic relations with both Arab nations and Israel, highlighting its understanding of the significance of stability in the region given its economic dependence on Middle Eastern oil. The previous evacuations conducted by Japan underscore its commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens during crises abroad.
In summary, Japan’s preparation for the potential evacuation of its citizens from Lebanon underscores the increasing security concerns arising from heightened military activities in the region. With the deployment of Air Self-Defense Force planes and the establishment of a dedicated task unit, Japan demonstrates its proactive stance in safeguarding its nationals in a volatile international environment. The complexities of maintaining diplomatic relations in a region fraught with conflict remain a critical aspect of Japan’s foreign policy toward its interests in the Middle East.
Original Source: english.kyodonews.net
