It's all for evacuation. The plans for this were discussed on the news pretty much the day this conflict started. Btw, how the hell are there so many tourists there?!? Who would go on vacation to a country where a group like Hezballah has some sort of notable influence??
the uk has got four ships there already. and a shit load of helis. oh and its not a holiday they live there its there home they happen to be british or american nationals