Israel Breaks Pledge by Using White Phosphorus Weapons Again

The Washington Post recently reported the use of US-manufactured white phosphorus shells by Israel on a Lebanese village, mtesting that the munitions were manufactured in ammunition depots in Louisiana and Arkansas in 1989 and 1992, and human rights organizations have reported the use of white phosphorus by Israel, including in Gaza from December 27, 2008 to January 18, 2009, resulting in deadly consequences for civilians and lasting damage to structures.
White phosphorus burns at extremely high temperatures and causes severe injuries, and in 2013 Israel pledged to stop using these munitions, but has since continued to use them. In the recent conflict with Hamas, Israel used white phosphorus on the Lebanese border town of Dheira, resulting in 94 deaths in the area alone, causing irreversible damage to forests and farmland, and attempted to justify the use by citing defense against Hezbollah.
The United States has played a significant role in providing financial and military support to Israel, and the US defense industry, consisting of companies like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Northrup Grumman, is powerful and influential, with the US being the world’s largest exporter of weapons and Israel continues to use these weapons in conflicts.
The aftermath of Israel’s recent use of white phosphorus was described as frightening, with residents experiencing symptoms and being unable to see, and the town of 2,000 has largely deserted. The author, Stephen J. Lyons, is critical of US support for Israel, highlighting the impact on innocent civilians and calling for greater accountability.