US Raises Concerns Over Alleged Use Of White Phosphorus By Israel In Lebanon Attack

The White House voiced significant concerns following reports that Israel may have used white phosphorus munitions, supplied by the U.S., in an attack on southern Lebanon in October.

This development, highlighted in a Washington Post analysis, raised critical questions about adherence to international humanitarian law and the potential implications for U.S.-Israel relations.

As Reuters reported, White House spokesperson John Kirby acknowledged the administration’s unease. “We’ve seen the reports. Certainly concerned about that. We’ll be asking questions to try to learn a little bit more,” he stated, reflecting a cautious yet unmistakably troubled stance from the U.S. government.

The Washington Post’s analysis, which scrutinized shell fragments found in a Lebanese village, suggested the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) utilized these munitions, causing injuries to at least nine civilians. A human rights group, Amnesty International, suggested these actions should be investigated as potential war crimes, given the severity of the injuries caused by white phosphorus.

White phosphorus, known for causing severe and often fatal burns upon contact with skin and significant respiratory damage, is a contentious subject in military circles. Its use near civilian areas is potentially in violation of international humanitarian law. However, Kirby emphasized its “legitimate military utility” for tasks such as illumination and smoke production to conceal troop movements, while underscoring that these munitions are not intended as incendiary weapons.

Kirby further clarified the U.S. position, noting, “Any time that we provide items like white phosphorous to another military, it is with the full expectation that it will be used in keeping with those legitimate purposes … and in keeping with the law of armed conflict.”

This controversy emerged amidst a backdrop of escalating violence in the region, with the U.S. recently vetoing a Security Council proposal demanding an immediate ceasefire.

Responding to the report, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant insisted on the IDF’s commitment to international law: “The IDF and the entire security establishment acts according to international law. That is how we have acted and how we will act.”

Israeli stocks as tracked by the iShares MSCI Israel ETF EIS fell 1.26% Monday.

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