Lebanon Accuses Israel of Herbicide Spraying Amid Rising Tensions
Published 5 February 2026
Highlights
- Lebanon accuses Israel of spraying glyphosate herbicide over southern villages, with concentrations 20-30 times higher than normal, threatening food security and health.
- President Joseph Aoun condemned the act as a violation of sovereignty and an environmental crime, vowing legal and diplomatic action.
- The incident follows a history of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, with significant agricultural and ecological damage reported in southern Lebanon.
- UN peacekeepers were warned by Israel of the aerial operation, leading to canceled operations, while Israel has not commented on the allegations.
- Lebanon plans to submit a formal complaint to the UN Security Council, highlighting the broader implications for regional stability and environmental health.
Lebanon has accused Israel of conducting an aerial operation that involved spraying a potent herbicide over southern Lebanese villages, raising alarms over potential health and environmental repercussions. The Lebanese government claims that the herbicide, identified as glyphosate, was found in concentrations 20 to 30 times higher than normally accepted levels, posing a significant threat to food security and local livelihoods.
A Violation of Sovereignty
President Joseph Aoun has condemned the incident, labeling it an "environmental and health crime" and a breach of Lebanese sovereignty. He has vowed to pursue all necessary legal and diplomatic measures to address what he describes as an act of aggression. The Lebanese ministries of agriculture and environment have echoed these concerns, emphasizing the potential damage to agricultural production, soil fertility, and ecological balance.
Historical Context and Ongoing Tensions
This development comes in the wake of a ceasefire that ended hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah over a year ago. The conflict left deep scars on the region, with significant agricultural and ecological damage reported. The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization estimated that the 2024 conflict resulted in over $700 million in damage to Lebanon's agricultural sector, particularly affecting the south and the Bekaa Valley.
International and Environmental Concerns
UN peacekeepers in Lebanon reported being informed by Israel of the planned spraying operation, prompting them to take shelter and cancel some activities. While Israel has not commented on the allegations, the incident has drawn international attention. Environmental groups, such as Green Southerners, have expressed concern over the cumulative impact on already damaged ecosystems, warning of broader consequences for biodiversity and food security.
Legal and Diplomatic Ramifications
In response to the incident, Lebanon intends to file a formal complaint with the UN Security Council. The move underscores the broader geopolitical and environmental stakes involved, as tensions between Lebanon and Israel continue to simmer. The use of glyphosate, classified by the World Health Organization as "probably carcinogenic," adds another layer of complexity to the situation, with varying international opinions on its safety.
What this might mean
The Lebanese government's decision to bring the issue before the UN Security Council could lead to increased international scrutiny of Israel's military tactics in the region. If the allegations are substantiated, it may prompt calls for stricter regulations on the use of chemical agents in conflict zones. Furthermore, the incident could exacerbate existing tensions between Lebanon and Israel, potentially impacting future peace negotiations and regional stability. Environmental experts warn that the continued degradation of southern Lebanon's ecosystems could have long-term consequences for the country's agricultural viability and food security, necessitating urgent international intervention and support.
