BEIRUT: The Lebanese government has announced that it will approach international organizations after the alleged use of chemical agents by Israeli forces in southern border areas was reported.
Lebanon’s Environment Minister Dr. Tamara Al-Zein stated that Israeli forces sprayed suspected chemical substances over the Aita al-Shaab region and surrounding agricultural lands.
She confirmed that authorities are collecting samples to determine the nature of the chemicals and have contacted military officials for verification. “If the substances prove toxic, it would not be surprising,” she added.
Dr. Al-Zein also highlighted that Israel had previously destroyed 9,000 acres of agricultural land in southern Lebanon using white phosphorus.
A team of agricultural experts has inspected the affected areas and collected soil, grass, and tree leaf samples, which will be tested in Beirut and Greek laboratories. The results are expected within 48 hours.
She warned that if the presence of hazardous chemical agents is confirmed, Lebanon will formally raise the issue before international bodies.