Israel's 'Accidental' White Phosphorus Use: A Decades-Long Tradition
A new study highlights 'persistent danger' from Israel's white phosphorus strikes in southern Lebanon, mapping 248 incidents between October 2023 and November 2024. This isn't groundbreaking news for anyone paying attention. Amnesty International documented Israel's use of white phosphorus in Gaza as far back as 2009, violating international law by deploying it in densely populated civilian areas.
(See: 'Rain of Fire', Amnesty International, 2009). The United States, a primary supplier, continues to funnel billions in military aid—including the very ammunition and artillery shells capable of firing white phosphorus—despite these repeated, documented violations. In 2023 alone, the US approved $3.3 billion in security assistance to Israel, a figure maintained year after year, largely thanks
to lobbying powerhouses like AIPAC, which poured over $10 million into influencing US elections that same year (OpenSecrets.org). So, when you hear 'persistent danger,' one might wonder if such danger persists because the 'international community' persistently looks the other way, or perhaps, persistently funds it. How many more studies on chemical burns does it take before 'condemnation' actually
means 'consequence' for a recipient of billions in no-strings-attached military aid? Apparently, the UN 'regret' button is stuck on repeat.