In southern Lebanon, concerns are mounting over the use of chemical substances sprayed by Israeli planes, which have triggered both environmental and health worries among local populations. Following a period of fragile military quiet, the situation is being elevated as the chemical spraying is not just destroying vegetation but is raising significant environmental and food safety issues in a region already suffering the consequences of war and devastation. Residents are increasingly worried about the implications of these chemicals on their livelihoods and lives.

The focus has shifted to the concept of a 'buffer zone' which is being imposed as a reality on the ground—not merely as a security measure but as an area stripped of the ability for continued life. Reports indicate that the substances being sprayed are causing direct harm to soil fertility and groundwater, leading to substantial agricultural losses. Such direct impacts threaten local food supplies and could exacerbate the already precarious economic conditions in the region.

In response to these developments, official data suggests that the concentration of the chemicals being used far exceeds normal levels of herbicides. The Lebanese Ministries of Agriculture and Environment, in coordination with the Lebanese Army and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), have begun immediate field investigations to collect samples of soil, water, and plants to assess the situation. The analytical results have confirmed the use of the herbicide glyphosate, igniting further concerns among the local populace about the long-term implications for their health and environment.