Lebanon Says Israel Sprayed Suspected Chemical Substances Near Southern Border
Lebanon has accused Israeli forces of spraying suspected chemical substances in southern border areas, prompting the Lebanese government to consider approaching international organizations after the allegations were substantiated.
In a statement, Lebanon’s Minister of Environment Dr. Tamara Elzein said Israeli forces allegedly sprayed unidentified chemical materials over the border town of Aita al-Shaab and surrounding agricultural areas.
She said contact has been made with the army commander to determine the nature of the chemical substance, and samples are currently being collected for analysis. Dr. Elzein added that if the material is confirmed to be toxic, it would not come as a surprise.
Lebanon is expected to pursue the matter through international channels once laboratory assessments are completed.
Lebanon’s Minister of Environment has said that Israel has already destroyed nearly 9,000 acres of agricultural land in southern Lebanon through the use of white phosphorus.
According to the minister, a team of agricultural experts visited areas affected by the alleged Israeli spraying and collected samples from the sites.
The Minister of Agriculture said the samples include soil, grass, and tree leaves. He added that the samples will be analyzed in laboratories in Beirut and Greece, with results expected within 48 hours.
He further stated that if the spraying of lethal chemical substances is confirmed, Lebanon will present its case before international organizations.
#Lebanon #Israel #WhitePhosphorus #ChemicalAllegations #SouthernLebanon #EnvironmentalDamage #DiplomatsWorld
