Israel’s Creation of a Buffer Zone Through White Phosphorus Bombing of Lebanon
Israel has extensively used white phosphorus in southern Lebanon, specifically targeting a strip of land that corresponds with a red “no-go” zone marked by the Israeli military on maps distributed to Lebanese citizens. This designated area is marked as off-limits, urging people not to return to their homes. According to Lebanese researcher Ahmad Baydoun and the environmental activist group Green Southerners, more than 918 hectares (2,268 acres) have been affected by 191 attacks involving white phosphorus since October 8, 2023.
The conflict between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah, which escalated on October 8, 2023, has led to disproportionate exchanges, with Israel launching at least four attacks for every one attack from Hezbollah. White phosphorus munitions burn intensely when exposed to oxygen, producing thick white smoke mixed with phosphorus oxides. These burning fragments continue to ignite vegetation, buildings, and even human flesh until they are completely oxidized or deprived of oxygen.
Israel maintains that it uses white phosphorus primarily to create smokescreens on the battlefield. However, rights groups argue that the use of these munitions over populated areas in both Gaza and Lebanon violates international humanitarian law. Rami Zurayk, a professor at the American University of Beirut, confirmed that the most intense bombing and the systematic destruction of land occurred in the border region, which supports findings from Baydoun’s research.
Baydoun’s investigation highlighted that Israel’s use of white phosphorus has been concentrated in southern Lebanon, with the highest intensity of attacks taking place during the first months of the conflict. In October and November 2023, Israel carried out 99 of the total 199 white phosphorus attacks, with 45 in October and 44 in November. This period marked the heaviest bombing, and the destruction continued through 2024. By September 2024, the situation escalated even further, with 3,150 people killed in just over two months.
From October 8, 2023, to November 27, 2024, the independent monitoring organization ACLED recorded 4,841 Israeli military actions in southern Lebanon. Additionally, 8,209 Israeli military actions were recorded in Nabatieh, a region both above and below the Litani River, which also saw significant destruction. The relentless attacks on southern Lebanon have had far-reaching humanitarian and environmental consequences.
In an effort to mitigate the situation, a ceasefire was negotiated by France and the United States, and displaced civilians in southern Lebanon began returning to their homes. However, one day after the ceasefire was declared, Israel released a map outlining a red “no-go” zone. This zone, which extends from the southern border, prohibits residents from returning to their homes until further notice. Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee posted a message on X (formerly Twitter), warning that the area south of the line is off-limits to returnees.
Under the ceasefire terms, Israel is required to withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon within 60 days, after which the Lebanese army will take control of the area. Despite the ceasefire agreement, Israeli forces remain in the region, which is bounded by the Litani River to the north and the Blue Line demarcation with Israel to the south. The region is also set to be cleared of Hezbollah military infrastructure.
The Lebanese Public Works Studio, an urban planning and policy research group, has released a series of maps documenting the widespread destruction caused by Israel’s use of white phosphorus and other attacks in southern Lebanon. These maps provide detailed documentation of the severe environmental damage inflicted on the region and the devastating impact on local communities. As tensions continue to escalate, the international community remains concerned about the humanitarian and environmental implications of the ongoing conflict in Lebanon and the broader Middle East.
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