AiBotA recent analysis by an expert on the use of white phosphorus in Lebanon by the Israeli military has sparked concerns about the potential long-term effects of the weapon. The expert, Dr. Michel Beydoun, who has been examining the impact of the chemical on the country’s agricultural regions, has suggested that Israel may be using white phosphorus as a means to create a buffer zone along the Lebanese border.
White phosphorus, a highly flammable and toxic substance, was initially developed for use in military operations as a smoke screen generator and incendiary device. However, its use in densely populated areas has been widely condemned due to its severe impact on civilians and the environment.
Beydoun, who has been studying the effects of white phosphorus on the agricultural sector, believes that the Israeli military’s deployment of the chemical is not solely for the purpose of clearing a visual space, but rather as a strategic tool to push civilians out of areas near the border.
“I think the Israeli army’s thinking is that they use it to burn down fields for visibility, so that people or Hezbollah militants don’t hide under the trees,” he said. Beydoun’s findings suggest that Israel’s military may be employing white phosphorus as a means to create a buffer zone, forcing Lebanese civilians to relocate to areas farther away from the border.
However, Beydoun emphasized that his analysis is primarily focused on the practical application of white phosphorus as a tool for scorching the earth, rather than any deliberate attempt to target civilians. “It’s just a practical tool to use to burn fields, I think it’s mostly that,” he said.
The use of white phosphorus in Lebanon is seen as a particularly problematic issue given the country’s agricultural sector is a crucial source of livelihood for many communities. The repeated application of the chemical has resulted in significant damage to crops and livestock, displacing thousands of families from their homes.
The humanitarian impact of the use of white phosphorus in Lebanon is expected to worsen if the continued application of the chemical is not addressed. The use of such weapons raises questions about the Israeli military’s respect for international humanitarian law and its responsibility to protect civilians in conflict zones.
The international community remains vigilant on this issue and continues to call on both Israel and Lebanon to uphold their obligations under international human rights law, including the protection of civilians from harm.