Reports this week in the Washington Post regarding Israel's alleged use of bombs containing white phosphorus have, predictably, roused various human rights organizations from their deep slumber. These organizations hastened to resort to their familiar charge of "war crimes" in their regular criticism of Israel. Indeed, is that the case?
What are bombs containing white phosphorus? White phosphorus is one of the three chemical forms of the chemical element phosphorus. White phosphorus, unlike its other chemical forms, is a substance that becomes flammable in contact with the oxygen in the air already at relatively low temperatures and in the process produces a great deal of heat – over 800 degrees Celsius, and therefore it may cause severe burns when in contact with human skin or fires in vegetation and flammable objects. The dual advantage of phosphorus bombs is that their impact in open areas causes a fire that leads to the thinning of the vegetation that is used as a hiding place for military compounds, tunnel shafts, bunkers, and various types of weapons. In addition, these bombs mask or blur the battlefield and limit the enemy's field of vision. Masking is important in disrupting optical tracking and targeting means, which Hezbollah terrorists use when firing laser beam anti-tank missiles at military and civilian targets in Israel.
The laws of war do not prohibit the use of white phosphorus bombs comprehensively, but only against civilian targets and against military targets located within populated areas. However, the laws allow the use of this material to mask and reveal military targets or weapons that are hidden in thick vegetation – as occurs many times in Lebanon.
Reports this week in the Washington Post regarding Israel's alleged use of bombs containing white phosphorus have, predictably, roused various human rights organizations from their deep slumber. These organizations hastened to resort to their familiar charge of "war crimes" in their regular criticism of Israel. Indeed, is that the case?
What are bombs containing white phosphorus? White phosphorus is one of the three chemical forms of the chemical element phosphorus. White phosphorus, unlike its other chemical forms, is a substance that becomes flammable in contact with the oxygen in the air already at relatively low temperatures and in the process produces a great deal of heat – over 800 degrees Celsius, and therefore it may cause severe burns when in contact with human skin or fires in vegetation and flammable objects. The dual advantage of phosphorus bombs is that their impact in open areas causes a fire that leads to the thinning of the vegetation that is used as a hiding place for military compounds, tunnel shafts, bunkers, and various types of weapons. In addition, these bombs mask or blur the battlefield and limit the enemy's field of vision. Masking is important in disrupting optical tracking and targeting means, which Hezbollah terrorists use when firing laser beam anti-tank missiles at military and civilian targets in Israel.
The laws of war do not prohibit the use of white phosphorus bombs comprehensively, but only against civilian targets and against military targets located within populated areas. However, the laws allow the use of this material to mask and reveal military targets or weapons that are hidden in thick vegetation – as occurs many times in Lebanon.