Israeli Strikes Devastate Olive Harvest in Southern Lebanon
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
Farmers in southern Lebanon are facing a devastating olive harvest season due to ongoing Israeli attacks and the threat of unexploded ordnance, with thousands of hectares of groves damaged. The conflict has impacted not only the current crop but also the long-term viability of olive farming and related industries. Farmers are harvesting early, facing infrastructure destruction, and struggling to access their lands, with some waiting years for permission to return to their fields. The risks posed by unexploded ordnance have led to warnings from local authorities.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli attacks and unexploded ordnance threaten southern Lebanon's olive harvest, damaging 6,600 hectares of groves.
- Farmers face risks accessing land, with some waiting three years for approval to return to their fields.
- The conflict impacts olive presses and infrastructure, with one owner estimating over $800,000 in losses.
- Some farmers are harvesting olives early due to fears of renewed hostilities and displacement.
- Unexploded ordnance, including cluster bombs, poses a significant danger in agricultural areas.
- Other crops like walnuts, apples, and cherries in the Arqoub region are also affected.
Farmers in southern Lebanon are struggling to salvage their olive harvest amidst ongoing Israeli attacks and the threat of unexploded ordnance, with approximately 6,600 hectares of olive groves reportedly damaged. The challenges extend beyond direct damage from shelling and shrapnel, as farmers face risks when attempting to access their land. A May 8, 2026 report from the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture indicated that 6,600 hectares of olive fields were affected, part of a larger 56,264 hectares of agricultural land damaged across Lebanon. Lebanon's 13.5 million olive trees produce between 100,000 and 200,000 tons of olives annually, with 39% of these groves located in the south.
The impact of the conflict goes beyond a single season's crop. Olive cultivation is a primary income source for many in southern Lebanon, providing temporary employment during harvest and boosting related industries like olive presses, transportation, and trade. The current conditions threaten farmers' ability to resume operations, the long-term productivity of mature trees, and the potential for rebuilding damaged agricultural facilities.
Some farmers are forced to harvest olives before they are fully ripe due to fears of renewed hostilities preventing access to their fields. Mohammad Moussa Hallawi, a farmer, noted that trees damaged by raids and shrapnel may take a long time to recover their production capacity. The danger of unexploded ordnance also deters farmers from entering their fields, with one young man reportedly injured by a cluster bomb explosion. Hallawi added that some farmers began harvesting 10 to 20 days earlier than usual.
Damage is also affecting agricultural infrastructure, particularly olive presses. Abbas Mohammad Khreis, a farmer and owner of damaged presses in Khiyam, reported the destruction of his facilities and equipment, including three olive presses, generators, and a three-story building, estimating his losses at over $800,000, excluding damage to his farming operations. Other crops like walnuts, apples, and cherries in the Arqoub region are also impacted, with farmers unable to access their lands for the past three to four years due to shelling and gunfire risks.
Farmers are seeking safe passage to their lands, with some, like Husni Ghanem from Kafr Shuba, waiting three years for approval to access his property. Farmers are willing to gather and proceed to their fields under the escort of the Lebanese army and UNIFIL, provided the safety of the fields is confirmed. Local authorities in towns like Frun and Yater have warned residents against entering olive groves without consulting relevant bodies due to the presence of cluster munitions and landmines.
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