The White House expressed concern on Monday over reports that Israel used US-supplied white phosphorus munitions in a southern Lebanon attack in October.
John Kirby, a White House spokesperson, stated that the US is worried about the situation and will seek more information.
While acknowledging the legitimate military utility of white phosphorus for illumination and creating smoke to conceal movements, Kirby emphasized the expectation that such items be used in accordance with 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,” he said.
He added that providing white phosphorus to another military comes with the understanding that it will be used for legitimate purposes.
Responding to the reports, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant asserted that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the entire security establishment operate in accordance with international law, both in the past and in the future.
