The Harj al-Raheb, or the Monk Forest, situated along the Israel-Lebanon border, is a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between nature and human conflict. Once a lush refuge for wildlife and a source of livelihood for local communities, this region has suffered widespread ecological devastation due to ongoing hostilities. As the environmental repercussions of war become increasingly evident, the plight of Harj al-Raheb reflects a broader struggle to protect not only the rich biodiversity of Lebanon but also the cultural heritage intertwined with its landscape.
The border between Israel and Lebanon is an intricate tapestry of military installations, agricultural lands, and small communities. Among these lies Harj al-Raheb, a significant woodland on the southern fringe of Ayta ash-Shaab, a Lebanese village directly adjacent to Israel. Covering 16 hectares (40 acres), this area is divided into two adjoining woodlands, known locally as the Southern and Western Hima. Historically cherished for their ecological richness and cultural significance, these forests face unprecedented challenges.
As of early October 2023, the slopes of Harj al-Raheb remained cloaked in diverse flora, including oak, carob, terebinth, and bay trees, which play a vital role in sustaining local livelihoods. Residents skillfully utilize terebinth seeds to craft traditional bread and harvest bay leaves for oil, further producing high-quality soap. The vibrant undergrowth, adorned with low shrubs and wildflowers, has supported a flourishing beekeeping industry—a crucial source of income for many families, particularly following Lebanon’s financial turmoil that escalated in 2019.
However, the once-prosperous environment is now strewn with remnants of conflict. The recent war saw widespread bombardments, particularly impacting the border region, leading to a tragic loss of life among the Lebanese population, with over 4,000 fatalities reported. The ecological sanctity of Harj al-Raheb was compromised, leaving behind charred orchards, massacred trees, and a dwindling population of vital pollinators like the Palestine sunbird.
Local officials, such as Ali Dakdouq, have witnessed the devastation first-hand. His family lost a majority of their 218 beehives due to the conflict, driving them to flee the area. For the communities surrounding Harj al-Raheb, the forest transcended mere scenery; it was a lifeline and sanctuary for a diverse array of wildlife. Today, much of this vital habitat lies in ruin.
The remains of Harj al-Raheb now exist as silent witnesses to destruction marked by white phosphorus shells used during the offensives. Satellite imagery reveals gaping white craters scattered across previously verdant expanses, alongside regions stripped barren by bulldozers. The village of Ayta ash-Shaab, historically a bustling locale with around 17,000 residents, is built upon an ancient fortified settlement, its vital cisterns and terraced fields integral to local agriculture.
The onset of warfare disrupted this historical continuity violently. In mere months, centuries of heritage and ecological balance were decimated by artillery and aerial assaults. The forest’s destruction unfolded in waves, first through incendiary bombardments that razed the landscape, followed by airstrikes that flattened woodlands and scorched orchards. Even after the ceasefire declared on November 27, 2024, the intrepid advance of Israeli troops, alongside their bulldozers, irreparably altered the region, removing whatever remained.
Many Lebanese perceive these incursions as part of a broader strategy by Israel to establish an inhospitable buffer zone, eliminating potential threats by obliterating villages and natural habitats. Local testimony highlights a collective sentiment of loss, with villager Hani Kassem remarking that it wasn’t enough to destroy; there was a will to erase history and its connections.
Harj al-Raheb was never just a picturesque backdrop but a complex ecosystem integral to local livelihoods, providing natural resources that aided in mitigating erosion and optimizing water irrigation in an increasingly arid climate. The forest was home to an array of wildlife, including the endangered striped hyenas and red foxes, along with various birds and small mammals that thrived in this green oasis.
The destruction has not only displaced wildlife; it has left a profound impact on local communities, which now find themselves grappling with a cultural and environmental void. As families return to their adapted homes amidst the remnants of their former lives, they witness the grief of lost animals that once cohabitated their cherished landscapes.
The ongoing conflict has escalated environmental violence, marking a grim reality where the natural world is weaponized. The once vibrant hills of Ayta ash-Shaab stand barren, devoid of the rich biodiversity that characterized the area. Incidents of lingering white phosphorus contamination continue to threaten both the local ecosystem and agricultural viability.
Recent documentation indicates hundreds of cases of white phosphorus usage by Israeli forces, signifying an environmental crisis that poses long-term ramifications for the soil and health of affected populations. Green Southerners, an environmental advocacy group, is pressing for urgent assessments and remediation efforts, although the safety of these initiatives remains mired in uncertainty due to ongoing hostilities.
In a world facing rapid climate change challenges, the strife experienced by the landscapes of Ayta ash-Shaab serves as a stark reminder of the intertwined fates of ecology and humanity. The repercussions of militarized environmental degradation pose important questions about accountability and environmental justice in conflict zones.
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