Australians in Israel and Lebanon have been told to think about leaving while commercial flights are still running after the federal government told the families of Australian diplomats in both countries to leave as regional tensions grow.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade updated its Smartraveller advice on Wednesday and warned the security situation was unpredictable and could get worse quickly.
It warned airspace could close, flights could be cancelled and travel could be disrupted more widely if tensions rise.
For Israel, Smartraveller still advises Australians to reconsider their need to travel because of the unstable security situation, armed conflict, civil unrest and terrorism.
It also warns people not to travel to areas near the borders with Gaza and Lebanon and says border crossings can close without warning.
For Lebanon, Smartraveller says Australians should reconsider their need to travel because the security situation is uncertain and should consider leaving while commercial flights are still available.
It also says Australians should be ready to leave quickly or stay where they are and warns the government may not be able to help people leave.
The government has also offered voluntary departures to the dependants of Australian officials posted to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Jordan.
Canberra has not announced the closure of any Australian embassies or consulates in the region and posts including Tel Aviv and Beirut are expected to stay open.
The move comes as tensions rise over Iran with the United States increasing its military presence in the region and talks between Washington and Tehran due to continue in Geneva this week.
The United States has also ordered nonessential staff and family members to leave its embassy in Beirut.
