The Environmental Toll of Israel's Ongoing Conflict: A Look at the War's Impact on Nature

As Israel battles Hezbollah along its northern border, the toll on both human lives and ecosystems has been devastating. Biriya Forest, once a lush nature preserve in northern Israel, is now a haunting sight of charred remnants. The forest, planted decades ago by the Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), bears the scars of rocket-induced wildfires, which have ravaged thousands of acres and threatened vital ecosystems. This year, with intense heat, extreme weather, and ongoing conflict, the fires spiraled out of control, leaving devastation in their wake.

Rocket Fires: A Deadly Threat to Israel's Forests

Each year, Biriya Forest experiences fires, but this year has been different. Nearly every rocket fired from Lebanon has led to flames igniting across the forest, aided by fragments of Israeli interceptors. Unusual winds, combined with scorching heat and low humidity, created the perfect storm for these catastrophic wildfires.

Beyond the visible destruction of forests, the ongoing war has wreaked havoc on the natural world. Israel’s northern and southern regions, already under strain from the conflict, have seen widespread destruction of flora and fauna. In the western Negev, a ceremonial tree planting event planned for Tu Bishvat was canceled due to rising security concerns. However, officials still gathered for a smaller ceremony in honor of those lost during the war.

Perhaps the most visible example of nature’s struggle in Israel can be found in the Agamon Hula Valley Nature Reserve. Famous for its mesmerizing bird migrations, the reserve has long been a hub for ecotourism. The valley, a top birdwatching site in the world, has witnessed a decline in migrating cranes due to the ongoing conflict. As the war subsides, scientists have begun noticing shifts in the migratory patterns of birds. While the conflict caused a significant reduction in the number of common cranes returning to the Hula Valley, new species have started arriving.

Experts are noting other changes in the physical landscape, and expressing hope that the region will eventually recover from the damage suffered in this war.