The potential for a full-scale conflict between Israel and Lebanon appears to have escalated significantly in recent days.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated a readiness for robust action within Lebanon, stating to troops stationed on the northern border that they are prepared for decisive measures.
Netanyahu’s remarks come amid a series of cross-border attacks between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Hezbollah fighters, leading to widespread concerns and warnings of an impending conflict.
Reports suggest that Western envoys have issued serious diplomatic alerts regarding a possible Israeli offensive against Lebanon. One envoy reportedly advised Lebanese authorities to brace for war.
This heightened tension follows allegations of white phosphorus use by both sides. Hezbollah’s rocket attacks on northern Israel have resulted in large fires, while there are claims of Israeli deployment of white phosphorus in Lebanese towns.
Netanyahu’s war cabinet convened, with his security minister urging aggressive action against Hezbollah strongholds. The IDF’s chief of staff emphasized readiness for cross-border operations.
Meanwhile, a Human Rights Watch (HRW) investigation revealed Israel’s alleged extensive use of white phosphorus in southern Lebanon, leading to civilian displacement and posing grave risks to civilians.
The HRW report raised concerns about violations of international humanitarian law, asserting that airburst white phosphorus use in populated areas is indiscriminate and fails to prevent civilian harm.
Residents along the border corroborated suspicions of white phosphorus use, attributing it to Israeli attempts to force communities to evacuate and destroy farming land.
In response to these allegations, the IDF denied unlawful white phosphorus use, asserting compliance with international law and emphasizing the shells’ intended use for smoke screens rather than targeting or causing fires.
