Travel in Lebanon has been far safer in the last decade than in the 1975-1990 civil war period when Americans were held hostage and planes were hijacked to Beirut. With the increasing conflict in Israel and the Occupied Territories there have been a number of anti-U.S. rallies in Lebanon, and the likelihood of conflict with Israel in the southern border area has increased. The Islamic militant group Hezbollah remains entrenched, and ready to do battle. U.S. Government personnel here are required to work under a strict security regime, which can limit consular services and hinder timely assistance to Americans in Lebanon. Because of concerns about airport and aircraft security arrangements, American airlines are prohibited from using Beirut International Airport.
