This is largely what's been said all along (and as I have loved ones stuck, I've been following it as much as possible)...I think they still mean that they need to 'stay put' until a plan that is feasible (temporary ceasefire or agreements with all sides that they will be doing evacs, etc.) is in place, not that they won't be getting them out at all. I think they just keep finding glitches to the plans (thus the reason they had people on the ground today to better evaluate).
Or that's what I'm hearing via the folks I have there (and they are in touch with the embassy multiple times a day)...and they are being told to still stay 'stuck' in the south, as there's still no real passable route up to the area around Beirut, and even if there were, there's still too many dangers for the drive to be worth the risk at this point.
I could be wrong, but I just got an email an hour ago and they had just been in touch with the folks in Beirut, so that's the understanding I have of that comment (State Dept) based on what the stranded citizens are hearing.
That is the wisest thing that they can do at the moment. Stay away from any terrorist locations and be patient.
Israel, like America, does not intentionally target civilians. However, if they are located too close to a terrorist strong hold, then all bets are off.
We are praying mfccinsd,fatima