Did Israel use US-supplied white phosphorus in Lebanon attack? White House says, ‘Certainly concerned…asking questions’
Israel used US-supplied white phosphorus in attacks on Lebanon, adding that it was seeking more details about the allegations. Speaking to reporters, US National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said the US will be asking questions to get more details about it and stressed that the country provides material like white phosphorus to another military with the full expectation that it will be used for legitimate purposes, keeping up with the law of armed conflict. He said, "We've seen the reports.
Certainly concerned about that. We'll be asking questions to try to learn a little bit more. I do think it's important to remind that white phosphorus does have a legitimate military utility in terms of illumination and producing smoke to conceal movements." “And obviously, anytime that we provide items like white phosphorus 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.
But we've seen these reports. They're fresh. Just don't have any more on it right now," he added.
Kirby made remarks in response to The Washington Post report which claimed that US-supplied white phosphorus munitions were used in an October attack in southern Lebanon. Lebanon has accused Israel of repeatedly using the incendiary weapon in October, while the Washington Post on Monday said analysis of shell fragments from one attack showed the rounds were US-made. The report further added that said nine civilians were injured in an Israeli attack in southern Lebanon using what appeared to be US-supplied white phosphorus.
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