Lebanon says Israeli forces ignite fires that raze southern forests and farms

Since hostilities flared earlier this year, Lebanese residents and officials have accused the Israeli military of deliberately igniting fires that have consumed extensive forest and farmland in the country's south. The National Council for Scientific Research reports that about 160 square kilometres—half of it cultivated—have burned, with satellite images confirming loss of vegetation and bulldozed zones. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam described the pattern as a "scorched-earth policy," whereas Israel says its operations consider environmental impact and aim to protect civilians.

Civil-defence chief Hussein Fakih and mayor Qassem al-Qadri say bombs, drones, phosphorous shells and cluster munitions have sparked the blazes, and that Israeli forces have delayed firefighter access. Environment Minister Tamara Elzein called the destruction "ecocide," and NGOs such as Green Southerners report extensive damage to forests, olive groves and nature reserves. Residents like Haidar Qoteish lament that while homes can be rebuilt, trees take years to recover.