Israel accused of using white phosphorus in Lebanon as tensions escalate (dubbed)

The escalating tensions have fuelled fears of an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah.

But for Lebanese and Israeli civilians living either side of the border, the near-daily exchange of rocket fire has already turned lives upside down.

Israel has been accused of deliberately trying to contaminate land in Lebanon, with its use of white phosphorus – a toxic, incendiary chemical.

Simona Foltyn travelled to Meis al-Jabal – a Lebanese border town devastated by months of bombardment.

In response to our report, the the Israel Defence Forces told us:

Under IDF directives, white phosphorus shells are not used for targeting or causing fire.

IDF procedures require that such shells are not used in densely populated areas, with certain exceptions. This complies with and exceeds the requirements of international law, which do not specifically impose such restrictions.

The accusation against the IDF of trying to depopulate Southern Lebanon, or to contaminate areas, are not based on facts and are completely false.