Allegations Surface: Israel's Herbicide Attack Raises Alarm in Southern Lebanon

Serious Allegations Against Israel

In a shocking claim, Lebanese authorities have accused Israeli aircraft of spraying glyphosate, a concentrated agricultural herbicide, over southern villages. This dangerous act raises alarm bells about the potential impact on local food security and environmental health.

The Impact of Glyphosate

Lab tests conducted by Lebanon's agriculture and environment ministries revealed alarming concentrations of glyphosate—reportedly between 20 and 30 times higher than the accepted levels. This revelation has triggered a widespread uproar.

President Joseph Aoun condemned the incident as a clear violation of Lebanese sovereignty, labeling it an environmental and health crime.

Israel's Silence

Despite the severity of these allegations, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have refrained from making any public comments regarding the situation. Their silence leaves many questions unanswered and adds fuel to the fire of speculation and concern.

The Purpose Behind the Aerial Attack

While the exact motive for this spraying remains unknown, the implications are significant. Residents of several border villages reported witnessing the aerial bombardment, which happens in the context of a fragile ceasefire that ended a previous conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

International Observations

Earlier this week, United Nations peacekeepers in Lebanon were notified by Israel of planned spraying near the border, leading them to take precautions and cancel some operations. This incident is not the first, raising red flags over Israel's treatment of Lebanese territory.

Human Impact and Economic Strain

Ramzi Kaiss from Human Rights Watch pointed out that the locals are heavily reliant on agriculture—olive groves and tobacco production are vital sources of livelihood. This herbicide assault complicates their ability to return home and rebuild after severe damage from previous conflicts.

Broader Implications

Environmental groups, such as Green Southerners, have expressed deep concerns over the long-term consequences for soil fertility and local ecosystems. Such incidents could severely threaten not only the agricultural sector but also broader biodiversity.

The Fallout from Past Conflicts

The fallout from ongoing hostilities has already dealt a heavy blow to Lebanon's agricultural sector. In April 2025, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization estimated over $700 million in damages due to conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah. This further complicates an already dire situation for those living in border villages.

The Controversial Nature of Glyphosate

While glyphosate is widely used in agriculture, its safety remains a contentious issue. The World Health Organization has categorized it as "probably carcinogenic to humans," contrasting with findings from other regulatory bodies stating it poses minimal risk. This disparity raises concerns about public health and safety in the affected regions.

Global Reactions and Future Steps

The Lebanese foreign ministry announced plans to file a formal complaint against Israel with the UN Security Council, seeking accountability for these alarming actions. As tensions rise, the international community must pay attention to the implications of this incident for peace in the region.