Israel Accused of Using White Phosphorus in Lebanon Attacks

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Israeli forces of unlawfully using white phosphorus munitions over residential areas in the southern Lebanese town of Yohmor on March 3, 2026. The organization alleges the use of artillery-fired white phosphorus constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law.

“The Israeli military’s unlawful use of white phosphorus over residential areas is extremely alarming and will have dire consequences for civilians,” said Ramzi Kaiss, a Lebanon researcher with HRW, in a statement. The organization confirmed the authenticity of seven images showing the munitions being used, resulting in fires breaking out in at least two homes.

The Israeli military has not commented directly on the specific allegations, stating they are not familiar with the use of white phosphorus grenades. However, they noted that smoke grenades used by their forces do not necessarily contain white phosphorus, and cautioned against drawing conclusions based solely on visual evidence. They added that any resemblance between smoke grenades containing white phosphorus and those that do not requires careful consideration.

Understanding White Phosphorus

While the use of white phosphorus itself is not illegal under international law, its application is heavily regulated. Øyvind Voie, a research leader at the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), explained that the substance is primarily used for creating smoke screens. When exposed to oxygen, it ignites, producing a dense white smoke that obscures visibility.

“The purpose is to conceal one’s own forces, weapons, and equipment, making them more difficult to detect,” Voie said.

However, white phosphorus is highly toxic, and residual particles can cause significant harm. “The problem is that white phosphorus can ignite spontaneously. If particles come into contact with people, they can catch fire and cause very severe burns,” Voie explained. Its use near civilian concentrations is prohibited if the risk of civilian harm is high.

HRW asserts that in Yohmor, the munitions were used unlawfully over concentrations of civilians, resulting in fires breaking out in homes and other civilian property. “White phosphorus can cause death or cruel injuries that result in lifelong suffering,” Kaiss stated, referencing a 2020 HRW report on incendiary weapons.

HRW is calling on Israel to prohibit the use of artillery-fired white phosphorus in populated areas.

Escalating Conflict and Regional Implications

The accusations of white phosphorus use come amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. On March 8, 2026, an Israeli tank was observed maneuvering in southern Lebanon near the border with Israel. The Lebanese parliament extended its term by two years on Monday, March 9, 2026, citing the escalating conflict with Iran and increased Israeli attacks on Lebanon following renewed strikes with Hezbollah.

The Israeli military stated on Monday, March 9, 2026, that it was targeting Hezbollah’s financial arm, al-Qard Al-Hasan, and conducting “focused raids” against what it described as the group’s infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

The ongoing conflict has displaced over half a million people in Lebanon, making it difficult to hold parliamentary elections, which were scheduled for May. Lebanon’s state news agency reported that 76 legislators voted in favor of the parliamentary extension, with 41 against and four abstentions. Hezbollah’s 13-member bloc in parliament supported the extension.

According to Lebanese Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine, 394 people have been killed in Lebanon as a result of the conflict. “These are civilians who have been attacked, not military personnel and military installations as they claim,” Nassereddine said.

The IDF maintains that its operations are aimed at Hezbollah and its infrastructure, and that it takes steps to “minimize damage to civilians,” as stated on its Telegram channel following recent attacks.

International Law and the Use of Incendiary Weapons

HRW argues that Israel’s actions in Lebanon violate international humanitarian law, specifically the principles outlined in the Geneva Conventions. The Protocol on Incendiary Weapons does not directly mention white phosphorus, but it explicitly prohibits the use of incendiary weapons against civilian concentrations unless precautions are taken to avoid civilian harm.

Lebanon has signed the protocol, while Israel has not.

HRW previously warned about Israeli use of white phosphorus during the bombing of Gaza and Lebanon in the autumn of 2023. The organization has analyzed images and videos that suggest the substance is being used in Lebanese areas.

“If you see many small burning particles forming a lot of white smoke, it may indicate white phosphorus,” Voie said. However, he cautioned that several smoke compositions that are not as strictly regulated can produce a similar effect, requiring chemical analysis for definitive confirmation.