In an escalation of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict that began in October 2023, a series of explosions on 17 and 18 September 2024, targeting individual pager and walkie-talkie devices, has precipitated a significant escalation. The initial attacks reportedly resulted in dozens of deaths and thousands of injuries across Lebanon and Syria.
Since these initial attacks, both sides have launched other offensives against each other, Israel have confirmed killing the Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and had launched a ground invasion of Southern Lebanon as of 1 October.
Several countries have prepared or activated plans for evacuation of their citizens from Lebanon. Further conflict in the region is almost certain.
In the event that a business finds itself operating in an area of conflict, the immediate priority is to ensure the safety of all employees. This involves evacuating non-essential personnel, maintaining open lines of communication for safety updates, and supporting local staff who may be unable to leave. Businesses should also continuously monitor the conflict, assess the risks to their operations, and activate business continuity plans to keep critical functions running.
Additionally, businesses must review their insurance policies for warzone coverage, understand the implications of contractual obligations, and ensure compliance with international laws. Clear communication with stakeholders is essential to manage expectations and maintain trust. Companies should also consider ethical responsibilities, providing humanitarian support where feasible. Professional advice from legal and security experts can guide businesses through these challenges, and support networks like embassies and chambers of commerce can offer additional assistance.