Lebanon complains to UN over Israel killing of army troops, herbicide use

Lebanon's foreign ministry has formally complained to the United Nations regarding Israel's alleged use of the herbicide glyphosate within Lebanese territory near the border. The ministry submitted a letter to the UN Security Council and the Secretary-General detailing the incident, which occurred in February, prior to the recent escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah starting March 2.

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laboratory tests and chemical analyses carried out on soil samples confirmed the use of glyphosate at high levels of concentration.

According to the ministry, soil samples from the border villages of Aita al-Shaab, Ras Naqura, and Dhayra confirmed high concentrations of glyphosate, significantly exceeding levels typically found after standard agricultural use. This complaint is based on findings from Lebanon's National Council for Scientific Research. Previously, the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon had been notified by Israel about plans to spray a "non-toxic chemical substance" and had warned peacekeepers. Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun had condemned the spraying as a "flagrant violation of Lebanese sovereignty and a crime against the environment and health."

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greatly exceed those usually found in agricultural areas after regular use by farmers.

In addition to the herbicide incident, Lebanon's complaint also addresses the recent killing of three Lebanese army personnel, including two officers, when an army vehicle was targeted by Israel. The ministry emphasized that such direct targeting of Lebanese soldiers undermines ongoing diplomatic negotiations aimed at de-escalating hostilities. Lebanon and Israel have been engaged in direct talks in Washington since April, with further rounds planned, alongside security discussions at the Pentagon.

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A flagrant violation of Lebanese sovereignty and a crime against the environment and health.