Dozens of US troops have been deployed to Cyprus amid sharply escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, and they are preparing for a range of contingencies including a possible evacuation operation from Lebanon for US citizens should a full-blown war erupt,

Washington has not yet authorized an evacuation, but President Joe Biden acknowledged "all-out war is possible" as Israel mobilizes two reserve brigades amid threats of a potential ground incursion to root out Hezbollah.

In response to increasing tensions in the Middle East, the British authorities have decided to deploy approximately 700 soldiers to Cyprus. They are to assist with the potential evacuation of British nationals from Lebanon.