WASHINGTON: A Washington Post analysis claims that Israel used US-supplied white phosphorus munitions in an October attack in southern Lebanon, resulting in injuries to at least nine civilians and the destruction of several homes. The report, based on shell fragments found in Dheira village near the Israel-Lebanon border, suggests that remnants of three 155-mm artillery rounds were discovered.
The lot production codes on the shells reportedly match the terminology used by the US military for domestically produced munitions, indicating manufacture in Louisiana and Arkansas ammunition depots in 1989 and 1992. Arms experts cited in the report found the light green color and markings, including “WP” printed on one of the shells, consistent with white phosphorous rounds.
Concerns Over Israel’s Use of Phosphorus Bombs
The alleged use of white phosphorus by Israel in Lebanon raises concerns about the impact on civilians and potential violations of international law. White phosphorus can cause severe burns and poses a significant risk to civilian populations due to its incendiary nature.
In October, Human Rights Watch had conducted an investigation, stating that verified footage from Lebanon and Gaza showed multiple instances of artillery-fired white phosphorus over the Gaza City port and two rural locations along the Israel-Lebanon border.
