Toxic substances sprayed by Israel will accelerate environmental degradation, NGO warns

The Green Southerners NGO, one of the most active in South Lebanon, on Tuesday condemned the spraying by Israeli aircraft of an as-yet unidentified chemical over several villages in South Lebanon, including Aita al-Shaab, Ramieh and Marwahine, in the Bint Jbeil district. The incident took place on Sunday and was documented by residents who alerted the authorities. Environment Minister Tamara el-Zein on Monday asked the Lebanese Army to collect samples for analysis.

The Green Southerners expressed concern over this new "use of toxic substances in these border areas, which will add to the considerable environmental damage caused by the Israelis since Oct. 2023, with the use of white phosphorus and other types of munitions that have altered the nature of the soil and biodiversity, especially with regard to insects and pollinators."

Based on preliminary observations of the consequences on the ground, environmentalists fear that the substance used "could be a broad-spectrum herbicide such as glyphosate, with compounds intended to wipe out plant cover." However, they remain cautious, awaiting the results of official analyses.

Strongly condemning this latest attack on the environment and crops in southern Lebanon, the Green Southerners place it within the framework "of the Israeli scorched earth policy" aimed at "intentionally causing long-term ecological damage, amounting to ecocide." The NGO calls on "relevant international organizations to take a stand for the protection of the environment and human rights, to demand the immediate cessation of such aggression, to hold the Israeli government accountable for violating international law, and to demand reparations."