Lebanon is gearing up to file a major complaint with the UN Security Council, accusing Israel of spraying “toxic substances” over agricultural lands in its southern villages. The Lebanese foreign ministry announced Wednesday that it has begun a meticulous documentation process to build a strong legal case.
This isn’t just a minor incident; Lebanon views it as a serious violation of its sovereignty and an environmental as well as a public health crime. The ministry is working closely with the environment, agriculture, and health departments to compile a comprehensive file. This file will pinpoint the exact nature of the substances used, cross-reference them with internationally prohibited materials, and assess the full extent of the damage. They’re looking at impacts on humans, soil, crops, and vital water resources.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun strongly condemned the alleged actions, emphasizing the severe implications. Even the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) found the Israeli activity “unacceptable,” noting the risks to both their personnel and civilians, alongside environmental concerns. Israel, for its part, informed UNIFIL it was dropping a “non-toxic chemical substance,” a claim UNIFIL seemingly questions.
To get to the bottom of it, Lebanon’s Agriculture Ministry is actively sending samples from affected areas to specialized laboratories in Beirut and Greece for scientific testing. Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani suggested these actions might be part of military practices aimed at stripping the surrounding areas of their agricultural productivity and natural life. Once all evidence is gathered, Lebanon plans to formally submit its complaint to the UN Security Council, seeking international intervention against what it describes as grave transgressions.
