Israel resumes using pesticides on land in southern Lebanon

Israel once again used pesticides on agricultural land in southern Lebanon, hitting villages and plantations close to the Blue Line, on the border between the two countries.

Analysis carried out by Lebanese authorities indicates that the substance sprayed by aircraft is glyphosate, detected in concentrations between 20 and 30 times above usual use.

The Lebanese government classified the action as an “environmental and health crime” and announced that it is preparing a complaint to the UN Security Council.

The action takes place in parallel to the war of aggression between the United States and Israel against Iran and is denounced in Lebanon as part of the Israeli territorial expansion policy on the southern border.

#Syria: a small Israeli plane was filmed flying over the S. #Quneitra province today. https://t.co/JpugGpAqSG pic.twitter.com/RgqrXF3sGB

— Qalaat Al Mudiq (@QalaatAlMudiq) January 25, 2026

The Lebanese government, in coordination with the country’s Army and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil), began field surveys and collection of soil, water and vegetation samples in the affected areas.

Laboratory analyzes confirmed the presence of the pesticide glyphosate, a substance used to eliminate vegetation and which can affect soil, water resources and crops. Preliminary reports indicate that the concentration of the product in the affected areas varies between 20 and 30 times the level normally used in agricultural applications.

Lebanese authorities say aerial spraying increases the risk of contamination, as the product can reach water sources, residential areas and food crops.

Glyphosate is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), linked to the World Health Organization (WHO), as a substance “probably carcinogenic to humans”.

Scientific studies associate prolonged exposure to the compound with health impacts and possible hormonal changes.

Farmers in villages near the Blue Line reported damage to crops and orchards following the spraying. Residents also mention strong odors at the time of the aerial operation and say they fear the consumption of food grown in the affected areas.

The region is impacted by the consequences of the war between Israel and Hezbollah between 2023 and 2024. Several locations close to the border remain partially depopulated since the clashes, and episodes of bombings and military incursions continue to be recorded in southern Lebanon.

Human rights organizations and environmental experts warn that the destruction of civilian agricultural areas could constitute a violation of international humanitarian law.

#Syria: this morning, an Israeli agricultural plane was filmed spraying a substance over farmland in the center of #Quneitra province.

This is the 3rd such spraying in less than a week. https://t.co/fsB4Xhlyt0 pic.twitter.com/bT3O4tW6dU

— Qalaat Al Mudiq (@QalaatAlMudiq) January 30, 2026

The Lebanese government reported that it is preparing a dossier with technical analyzes and environmental reports to present the complaint to the UN Security Council.

Authorities and experts also point out that the spraying adds to a recent history of environmental damage caused by Israeli military operations in the region. Previous episodes have included the use of white phosphorus, incendiary munitions and the destruction of vegetation in areas close to the border.

Environmental analysts warn that repeating these practices could compromise soil fertility, contaminate water resources and make it difficult to resume agricultural production.

The impact can directly affect rural communities that depend on the land for subsistence and return to areas affected by the clashes.