Firefighters reported arson attacks in southern Lebanon carried out by the Israeli military
Firefighters, residents, and environmental organizations in southern Lebanon have claimed that the Israeli military is causing forest fires by dropping flares and ammunition on forested and agricultural areas, according to The Guardian. According to the publication’s sources, the fires have affected forests, olive groves, and other farmland near the Israeli border.
Hussein Fakih, head of civil defense in the Nabatieh region, said that on Tuesday, the Israeli military dropped flares over a forested area near Khiam, after which a fire broke out. According to him, a drone struck near firefighters as they were attempting to extinguish the blaze, forcing them to retreat. Fakih estimated that in areas near the front line, the fires affected approximately 30–40% of the territory.
According to Fakih, the fires began shortly after the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, which took effect on June 17 and largely halted hostilities. He stated that small drones are allegedly dropping incendiary materials, and that white phosphorus shells and flares are also being used in forested areas.
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Samir Khardan, head of the local civil defense station, reported that on Friday a drone dropped munitions in a forest near Kfar Shuba. Firefighters battled the blaze all night and extinguished it on Saturday, but on Sunday, he said, another drone caused a new fire. The Guardian also reports that firefighters were allowed to work at only two locations, even though the fire had spread to other areas.
Hisham Younes, founder of the Lebanese environmental organization Green Southerners, stated that the fires threaten ancient pine and oak forests, as well as areas where migratory birds stop over. He called this part of the systematic destruction of southern Lebanon’s ecosystems.
In response to a query regarding the recent fires, the Israeli military stated that it is conducting operations with precautionary measures to minimize harm to the civilian population and the environment. Previously, the Israeli military claimed that Hezbollah had been using forested areas as cover for its fighters and tunnels.
