Lebanon forests face massive fires amid accusations of Israeli drone attacks

Widespread forest fires are ravaging southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, with local authorities and residents accusing the Israeli military of systematically igniting the blazes. Reports indicate that approximately 30% to 40% of certain areas near the front lines have been consumed by flames.

Local officials, including Civil Defense leader Hussein Fakih, claim that Israeli drones are being used to drop incendiary materials, flares, and white phosphorus munitions into forested areas. In some instances, firefighters attempting to combat the blazes have reportedly been forced to retreat due to drone strikes on their positions.

The destruction extends to agricultural lands and natural landscapes, with environmental organizations noting a pattern of erosion of forest resources. Municipal representatives in eastern Lebanon have characterized these actions as a strategy to make territories uninhabitable and displace populations. Challenges to firefighting efforts include difficult mountainous terrain, summer heat, and the presence of unexploded projectiles within the burning vegetation.