Israeli forces accused of dropping phosphorus bombs in south Lebanon

Lebanon’s official National News Agency is reporting that Israeli forces dropped phosphorus bombs on olive and pine groves in the towns of Yaroun and Arnoun, and the city of Bint Jbeil in the Nabatieh governorate.

The attacks caused large fires to break out, it said.

Separately, the NNA also reported two Israeli missile attacks on the Ali al-Taher hill near Nabatieh, and said an Israeli drone dropped a stun grenade in the town of Bayt al-Sayyad in Tyre.

Let us look at the answer for the West Bank:

Under international law, the destruction or uprooting of Palestinian olive trees by Israeli armed forces or settlers in the occupied West Bank is a grave violation of these two primary legal principles:

Prohibition of Destruction of Property: Article 53 of the Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits an occupying power from destroying private or state property unless absolutely required by military operations. The intentional uprooting of centuries-old agricultural trees is routinely condemned by the UN as failing to meet this strict threshold.

Right to Livelihood and Culture: International human rights law, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, protects the rights of indigenous populations to their cultural practices and means of subsistence. Olive trees are a foundational element of Palestinian cultural heritage and economic livelihood.

The above is also subjected when the Israeli belligerent destroy olive and pine groves in Southern Lebanon.

What does international law say when the Israeli war belligerent uses white phosphorus to destroy olive and pine groves in Southern Lebanon?

When the Israelis use white phosphorus to destroy olive and pine groves in Southern Lebanon, the International Humanitarian Law strictly bans making civilian objects—such as olive and pine groves —the target of an attack unless they constitute a definitive military objective. But the Israelis are flattening everything on which civilian life depends on, which includes whole villages and towns.

Lebanon minister says little change despite agreement with Israel

A Lebanese cabinet member has said authorities are not happy with on-the-ground developments following an earlier agreement with Israel.

Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani said the current situation falls short of the expectations of President Joseph Aoun and the Lebanese government, according to the state-run National News Agency.

The US-brokered framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel involves a gradual Israeli withdrawal and the deployment of the Lebanese army to prevent the Lebanese group Hezbollah from re-establishing a presence.

It was signed on June 26, but more than a month later, the Israeli military has not fully withdrawn from “pilot zones” – villages where the agreement is being tested. Israeli attacks have also continued in several parts of southern Lebanon.

US envoy says Lebanon and Israel ‘must agree’ on peace process

US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa has said he is “encouraged” by ongoing Israel-Lebanon talks in Rome but that both sides “must agree” on a clear process before proceeding.

Issa said there’s still a lot of technical work to be done and that moving “too quickly” could jeopardize civilian safety.

“There is a meaningful difference between drafting an agreement on paper and implementing it responsibly – moving too quickly risks jeopardizing the very civilians this process is meant to protect,” he said.

“We believe it is better to take the time needed to get this right the first time. Doing so will allow subsequent pilot zones to move forward more efficiently.”