Lebanese Farmers Brave Shelling to Harvest Olives

Farmers in the village of Zibqin are risking their lives to harvest olives despite ongoing instability and Israeli shelling in southern Lebanon. Located adjacent to an Israeli-declared security zone, the village saw residents return following a June ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. However, the conflict has disrupted traditional family customs and reduced crop yields, with some farmers reporting harvests at half their normal volume.

Lebanese Armed Forces personnel currently provide security escorts for farmers in the fields. Residents report that the army has been struck by Israeli attacks, and the Lebanese Army reports 26 soldiers killed by Israeli strikes in 2026. The Israeli military reports 38 of its own soldiers killed in southern Lebanon during the same period.

The Israeli military maintains that its strikes target Hezbollah infrastructure rather than civilians or the Lebanese Army. Officials stated they are working to "enable the olive harvest and assist residents in carrying it out."