In the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, fires have ravaged forests and farmlands on both sides of the Lebanon-Israel border. The fires, worsened by supply shortages and security concerns, have destroyed thousands of hectares of land, serving as a visible indicator of the escalating conflict and the possibility of a full-scale war with dire consequences for both populations.
In Lebanon, fires began earlier than usual in late April, burning rural areas along the border. The town of Chebaa, despite its limited Hezbollah presence, has experienced occasional shelling, leaving once-oak-lined ridges charred and barren. A cherry orchard near town was also hit, requiring years to recover. In Israel, the slopes of Mount Meron have been scarred by fires ignited by a downed Hezbollah drone, causing concerns for the future of the forest.
The conflict has seen thousands of launches towards northern Israel, with Hezbollah increasingly using drones. Accusations have emerged of Israel using white phosphorus incendiary shells, though the military claims they are only for creating smoke screens. The clashes have resulted in numerous casualties on both sides and intensified since Israel’s incursion into Gaza and the beginning of the dry wildfire season.
The response to fires is hindered by security fears, grounding firefighting planes and requiring army escorts for firefighters on the ground. Both Lebanon and Israel have faced significant displacement due to the fires, with some areas becoming uninhabitable. Evacuations have occurred on Israel’s side of the border, while Lebanese communities grapple with the impact of ongoing blazes.
As the conflict persists, warriors in agriculture areas fight fires together when official resources are delayed. The fires, a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict, have drawn newfound attention to the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hinted at sending more troops to the northern border, potentially escalating the situation. The fires, not part of the natural ecosystem, pose severe threats to the environment and communities on both sides of the border.
