WASHINGTON

Canada reiterated its call for nationals to leave Lebanon while they can amid escalating border tensions between Hezbollah and Israel.

"The safety and security of Canadians at home and abroad is Canada’s top priority," Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said in a statement.

She said the security situation in Lebanon "is becoming increasingly volatile and unpredictable due to sustained and escalating violence between Hezbollah and Israel and could deteriorate further without warning."

"My message to Canadians has been clear since the beginning of the crisis in the Middle East: it is not the time to travel to Lebanon. And for Canadians currently in Lebanon, it is time to leave, while commercial flights remain available," she added.

The minister said the goverment is not currently offering assisted departures or evacuations for Canadians in Lebanon.

Israel and Hezbollah have been engaged in border fighting since the start of the Gaza conflict last October. The tensions have recently escalated, with both sides saying they are ready to go to war.​​​​​​​