Israel accused of spraying cancer-linked herbicide on farms in southern Lebanon

Lebanon has accused Israel of spraying farmland in southern Lebanon with glyphosate, a herbicide classified as "probably carcinogenic" by the WHO. The incident allegedly occurred on Sunday, with UN peacekeepers reportedly warned of an aerial operation involving a "non-toxic chemical substance." Lebanese authorities claim laboratory analysis revealed glyphosate concentrations significantly higher than normal, posing risks to food security, agriculture, and the environment. Lebanese President Aoun condemned the act as a violation of sovereignty and vowed legal action. Israel has not responded to requests for comment. The incident follows reports of similar spraying in agricultural areas inside Syria.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun accused Israel of committing an environmental crime on February 4, 2026, after Israeli forces sprayed an unknown substance over southern Lebanese towns. Aoun condemned the action as a violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and a threat to the health and environment of Lebanese citizens, ordering diplomatic and legal measures in response. UNIFIL peacekeepers reported being informed by the Israeli military about the spraying of a "non-toxic chemical substance," which led to the suspension of their operations for nine hours. UNIFIL and the Lebanese army collected samples of the substance for toxicity testing. Aoun stated that the incident is a continuation of repeated Israeli attacks on Lebanon, despite a ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024. He called on the international community and the UN to intervene and stop the attacks.