Australian Defence Force personnel and aircraft are heading to the Middle East as Israel's anticipated ground invasion of Gaza looms.
Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles told Today the government had sent an additional two military aircraft to the region, taking the total to three.
They are accompanied by "a significant number of personnel" in the form of a support crew for the aircraft, and a "small command detachment".Marles said Australian forces were not in the Middle East for operational reasons, but as a "contingency" to support Australians in the region during a very volatile time.
"I think the message I really want to give today is that if you are in the area, in a place like Lebanon, for example, and you are looking and want to leave, you should be taking all the options that are available to you now," Marles said. The aircraft deployed to the Middle East include C-17 Globemaster transport craft, and the KC-30 air refueller, which also is able to carry passengers.Marles indicated the planes were in place as a possible emergency exit for Australians in the Middle East, but he warned residents "don't rely on that".
"Yes, we are taking these steps to put a contingency in place but if you want to leave, leave," he said.Marles would not specify how many Defence personnel would be in the Middle East, but confirmed they would not be based in Israel.
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