Israel Accused of Deploying White Phosphorus in Lebanon, Sparking International Outcry
Human Rights Watch has presented compelling evidence alleging that Israel has unlawfully used white phosphorus munitions in residential areas of southern Lebanon. The global human rights organisation verified and geolocated seven images showing airbursts of these incendiary weapons over the town of Yohmor on March 3, 2026.
Evidence of Unlawful Military Action
The verified images depict white phosphorus munitions deployed over populated residential zones, with civil defence workers responding to fires in at least two homes and one vehicle. Human Rights Watch analysis determined the smoke cloud patterns were consistent with artillery projectiles containing white phosphorus, specifically noting the characteristic "knuckle" shape created by expelling and bursting charges.
Ramzi Kaiss, Lebanon researcher at Human Rights Watch, stated: "The Israeli military's unlawful use of white phosphorus over residential areas is extremely alarming and will have dire consequences for civilians. The incendiary effects of white phosphorus can cause death or cruel injuries that result in lifelong suffering."
Violation of International Humanitarian Law
The organisation asserts that this deployment constitutes a direct violation of international humanitarian law. According to their assessment, "the use of airburst white phosphorus is unlawfully indiscriminate in populated areas" and "does not meet the legal requirement to take all feasible precautions to avoid civilian harm."
Human Rights Watch has issued urgent calls for Israel to immediately cease this practice and has demanded that key allies - including the United Kingdom, United States, and Germany - halt weapons transfers to Israel and impose targeted sanctions on officials allegedly "credibly implicated in grave crimes."
Understanding White Phosphorus Munitions
White phosphorus is a waxy, solid chemical substance that typically appears yellowish or colourless with a distinctive garlic-like odour. When exposed to oxygen at temperatures above 30°C, it ignites instantly, producing dense white smoke that is difficult to extinguish and adheres tenaciously to surfaces including human skin and clothing.
While militaries may legally employ white phosphorus for battlefield illumination and smoke screen generation, its use as an incendiary weapon in populated areas violates international protocols. The substance poses extreme danger through all exposure routes, particularly affecting eyes and respiratory systems, and can cause burns severe enough to penetrate bone.
Historical Context and Previous Allegations
This is not the first time Israel has faced accusations regarding white phosphorus deployment. Human Rights Watch previously documented widespread use between October 2023 and May 2024 across border villages in southern Lebanon, with evidence found in at least seventeen municipalities.
The organisation has collected verified video footage and witness accounts showing multiple airbursts of artillery-fired white phosphorus over Gaza City's port area and two rural locations along the Israel-Lebanon border in October 2023.
Since hostilities escalated between Israel and Hezbollah on March 2, 2026, Lebanon's health ministry reports at least 217 fatalities and hundreds of thousands displaced as of March 6.
Israeli Military Response
An Israel Defense Forces spokesperson told media outlets: "The IDF is currently unaware and cannot confirm use of shells that contain white phosphorus in Lebanon as claimed. The IDF did not watch the visuals supposedly relied on by Human Rights Watch in making its claims, and therefore cannot currently comment on them."
The military acknowledged possessing smoke shells containing white phosphorus, which they claim are "lawful under international law" and used exclusively for smoke screen generation rather than targeting. They asserted these munitions "are not used in densely populated areas, with certain exceptions" and maintain visual similarities to prohibited white phosphorus weapons.
Israel has consistently rejected previous allegations of unlawful white phosphorus use in Lebanon during 2023. On March 3, 2026, Israel's Arabic military spokesperson issued evacuation orders for Yohmor and fifty additional villages, instructing residents to move at least 1,000 meters from populated areas to open land.
Human Rights Watch has not yet verified whether civilians were present in the affected areas or sustained injuries from the alleged white phosphorus deployment. The organisation continues to monitor the situation and gather additional evidence regarding these serious allegations.
