South Lebanon's agriculture falls victim to Israeli attacks
Israel's military operations in southern Lebanon have devastated 22.5% of agricultural land, displacing 80% of farmers and causing $1.5 billion in losses, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Agriculture. The damage threatens food security, with 1.24 million people projected to face food insecurity by August 2026, as key crops like bananas and citrus fruits face near-total destruction.
Lebanon’s agriculture sector has suffered severe damage from Israel’s attacks in southern Lebanon, exacerbating economic and food security crises. The Ministry of Agriculture reported that 56,264 hectares (22.5% of farmland) were destroyed, including 95% of banana crops, 97% of citrus trees, and 91% of olive groves. Nearly 80% of farmers—over 6,593—were displaced, unable to access their land due to Israeli military operations. The latest escalation, beginning in March, has doubled agricultural losses to $1.5 billion, with total war damage exceeding $20 billion. Minister Nizar Hani described Israel’s actions as creating a ‘buffer zone’ devoid of life, destroying villages, orchards, and livestock. Southern Lebanon, which produces 70% of the country’s citrus fruits and 90% of its bananas, now faces severe supply chain disruptions, affecting exports to Syria, Jordan, and Iraq. Over 1.8 million heads of livestock, 29,121 beehives, and 2,030 tons of fish have been lost, worsening food shortages. The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Food Programme warn that 1.24 million people will face food insecurity between April and August 2026—up from 874,000 in late 2025. FAO representative Nora Ourabah Haddad called the damage ‘extremely serious,’ noting that destroyed irrigation systems and farms have crippled local production. Food prices rose 8.4% in early 2026, while transport costs surged 21%, further straining households. Farmers fear prolonged displacement after evacuation orders in March, compounding Lebanon’s reliance on food imports amid economic collapse. The crisis threatens rural livelihoods and cultural traditions, with long-term consequences for Lebanon’s agrifood systems.
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