Human rights organizations Medico International and Coordination against Bayer Dangers (CBG) have highlighted that glyphosate and white phosphorus allegedly used by Israeli forces in Lebanon were manufactured in Germany. Reports surfaced in February 2023 about the Israeli army deploying glyphosate in southern Lebanon and occupied Syria, with Lebanon’s Ministry of Agriculture noting that some samples contained glyphosate concentrations up to 30 times higher than normal. The issue gained traction in Germany after it was linked to Bayer, the parent company of glyphosate producer Monsanto. Despite the serious allegations, including accusations of environmental and health crimes by Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun, public outrage has been minimal. A recent report by Medico International, titled “Cartographies of Destruction: Israel’s War Against Lebanon,” also documented the use of white phosphorus in the conflict, further connecting these actions to Bayer’s operations.
Why It Matters
The use of glyphosate and white phosphorus by Israeli forces raises significant ethical and legal questions regarding the involvement of German companies in military operations. Glyphosate, a carcinogenic herbicide, was previously reported as being tested by the Israeli military in Gaza in 2014, suggesting a pattern of chemical weapon use. The sale of military-grade chemicals has historical implications, as the German government has been scrutinized for its arms exports to Israel amid ongoing conflicts. This situation not only impacts the environment and public health in the region but also reflects the broader implications of international arms trade and corporate responsibility in conflict zones.
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