The ship, equipped with helicopters and a battle group, is set to arrive in the eastern Mediterranean within five to six days. French military officials clarified that the deployment is intended to prepare for the possible evacuation of French nationals from Lebanon, should the conflict worsen.
This precaution comes after Israeli ground forces conducted "targeted raids" against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon on Tuesday. While there is no immediate plan for evacuation, a senior French military official emphasized the need to strengthen resources as the situation develops.
The ship in question is the Dixmude, a helicopter carrier, and will be stationed in the area to assist in evacuation efforts if necessary. France had previously advised its citizens to leave Lebanon in early August, citing rising tensions.
Other countries, including Britain and Canada, are also making preparations to evacuate their citizens. The British government has chartered a flight to evacuate vulnerable citizens from Lebanon, including children and those with disabilities, on Wednesday.
Several airlines, including Air France and Lufthansa, have suspended flights to and from Beirut, as nations begin to establish contingency plans. Cyprus and Türkiye are being considered as potential safe zones for people fleeing the conflict.
Meanwhile, French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin urged Israel to avoid further land incursions and called for a ceasefire during a meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati.
The United Nations has launched an appeal for $426 million (€383 million) to assist the estimated one million Lebanese people displaced by recent Israeli airstrikes. Lebanon's health ministry reported that over 700 people, including paramedics, have been killed in the past week as Israeli bombardments intensified.