Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemns Iran's missile strike on ...

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned Iran's missile attack on Israel, reiterating the call for an immediate ceasefire and for diplomacy to de-escalate tensions.

Iran fired a barrage of some 200 missiles at Israel in retaliation for strikes that killed Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing retaliation.

It comes as more Australians have left Lebanon amid confirmation the government has secured seats on flights for those wanting to leave the region.

"We're very concerned about Iran's actions, which is why we condemn them," Mr Albanese said on Wednesday.

Iran reports firing 200 missiles at Israel

Gunmen have killed at least six people in Tel Aviv, and Iran says it has launched some 200 missiles at Israel.

"There's been too much loss of life in that region.

"Israel, of course, has a right to defend itself, what we have called for consistently is for a de-escalation."

Mr Albanese last week signed a joint statement by the US, Australia, Canada, EU, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, UK, Qatar, stressing "diplomacy … cannot succeed amid an escalation of this conflict".

It called for an immediate temporary ceasefire "to give a real chance to a diplomatic settlement".

Iran's air strikes were launched overnight hours after Israeli troops began ground raids in southern Lebanon to dismantle Iran-backed Hezbollah infrastructure in border villages.

Mr Netanyahu said Iran "made a big mistake … and will pay for it".

Earlier this week, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin agreed with Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant on the "necessity" to dismantle Hezbollah's strike capabilities along the Lebanon-Israel border to avoid an October 7-style attack.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the foreign minister said "diplomacy must be prioritised" and "Lebanese civilians cannot be made to pay the price of defeating Hezbollah".

Speaking to reporters, the prime minister stopped short of saying he thought Israel's right to defend itself extended into southern Lebanon.

"We regard Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation, as we regard Hamas as a terrorist organisation," he said.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton accused Mr Albanese of abandoning a long-held policy to support Israel.

"The proposal that the United States has – that Australia has walked away from – to try and provide some support and stability in the north of Israel on the border – why the prime minister has rejected that? I don't know.

"It seems to me that the prime minister and Penny Wong at the moment, are making decisions that are of political benefit to them domestically, but which are not in our national interests."

When asked if Israel's right to defend itself extended to Iran, Mr Dutton said it was a "matter for Israel".

"Israel has been very clear that they're not going to be subject to attack and nor should they be," he said.

The two leaders spoke on the weekend about the situation in the Middle East and Mr Dutton was formally briefed by security agencies "a couple of weeks ago".

Australians told to leave at the first opportunity

A number of commercial airlines — such as Emirates and Qatar— have suspended flights to Beirut in recent days.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed the government was able to assist some Australians onto commercial flights on Monday and overnight.

Iran missile attack on Israel unlikely to be the last escalation

The missile strikes on Israel is the latest in a series of escalations in the Middle East and, unlike Iran's previous retaliation, could see the situation devolve further in a region on the brink.

Additional seats were secured for flights on Thursday.

"We are working to access more flights over coming days … Australians in Lebanon who wish to leave should ensure they are registered via DFAT's crisis portal," she said in a post on X.

A department spokesperson warned Australians in Lebanon should be prepared to "leave quickly or shelter in place for an extended period."

The government estimates at least 15,000 Australians remain in Lebanon but the true figure could be as high as 30,000.

Mr Albanese and Senator Wong have repeatedly warned the government does not have the capacity to assist every citizen who may want to leave.

The opposition leader said he was aware there was a "plan in place … to be able to evacuate people" .

"People should heed the advice of the government to leave on the commercial flights that are available as soon as possible."