Israel uses chemical weapons in Lebanon

Israel yesterday confirmed for the first time that it had released a phosphorus bomb, which was considered a chemical weapon, during a campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon in July and August.

Israeli tanks (Photo: a2mediagroup)

Cabinet Minister Jacob Edery confirmed the phosphorus bomb was dropped on military targets. Israel used to claim it used only to mark its goals. Mr. Edery did not specify where and when the bomb was used.

Human rights organizations and Red Cross organizations put phosphorus bombs on chemical weapons. The Geneva Convention prohibits the use of white phosphorus as a weapon against civilians and in airstrikes against the military forces in the area with civilians.

In late July, Lebanese President Emile Lahoud accused Israel of using a phosphorus bomb: ' They use phosphorus bombs and laser bombs. Can they do the same for civilians and children, according to the Geneva Convention? '

Hospital doctors in southern Lebanon commented that they suspected some of the burns they saw were caused by phosphorus bombs.

Israeli forces once claimed that weapons used in Lebanon did not violate international conventions.

MC