Troops are being deployed to Cyprus after ministers activated the first phase of plans to evacuate thousands of Britons from war-torn Lebanon.
Around 700 soldiers will be sent to the Mediterranean island, the Government announced on Tuesday night, with the Middle East on the brink of a major war.
The decision came after John Healey, the Defence Secretary, left Labour’s conference in Liverpool to chair a meeting of the Cobra committee.
On Tuesday night, Downing Street urged more than 10,000 UK nationals that are still believed to be in Lebanon to leave the country immediately on commercial flights.
Mr Healey said: “Events in the past hours and days have demonstrated how volatile this situation is, which is why our message is clear, British nationals should leave now.
“We continue to urge all sides to step back from conflict to prevent further tragic loss of life. Our government is ensuring all preparations are in place to support British Nationals should the situation deteriorate.
“I want to thank the British personnel who are deploying in the region for their commitment and professionalism.”
His warning comes after Israel intensified its bombing of Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon.