- White House expresses concern over reports of U.S.-supplied white phosphorus use by Israel in Lebanon
- Spokesperson John Kirby emphasizes the legitimate military utility of white phosphorus for specific purposes
- Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant asserts adherence to international law in military actions
White House spokesperson John Kirby voiced apprehension on Monday regarding reports suggesting Israel deployed U.S.-supplied white phosphorus munitions in a southern Lebanon attack in October. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Kirby affirmed the need for further inquiry.
White phosphorous being shot at Lebanon
“We’ve seen the reports. Certainly concerned about that. We’ll be asking questions to try to learn a little bit more,” Kirby stated, highlighting the United States’ commitment to understanding the circumstances surrounding the alleged use.
Kirby acknowledged that white phosphorus serves a “legitimate military utility” for purposes such as illumination and generating smoke to conceal movements. He emphasized that when providing such items to another military, it is done with the expectation that they will be used in accordance with legitimate military objectives and the law of armed conflict.
“Obviously any time that we provide items like white phosphorous to another military, it is with the full expectation that it will be used in keeping with those legitimate purposes…and in keeping with the law of armed conflict,” Kirby explained.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, when asked about the reported use of white phosphorus in Lebanon, asserted Israel’s commitment to international law in its military actions.
“The IDF and the entire security establishment act according to international law. That is how we have acted and how we will act,” stated Minister Gallant, addressing concerns over the reported incident.
