Lebanese farmers in the village of Zebkin, located in southern Lebanon, are busy harvesting their olives despite the presence of Israeli forces nearby. This village is adjacent to an area that Israel has declared as its "security zone," where Israeli forces have been accused of destroying villages, a claim that Hezbollah denies. While Israeli shelling frequently hits the valley where the olive trees are located, Lebanese farmers are facing unprecedented challenges this harvest season.
Challenges of Olive Harvesting
Despite serious dangers, Lebanese farmers have returned to their farms that have been tended to for generations. Ali Bazieh, a 65-year-old farmer from Zebkin, stated: "This land is mine, this is my livelihood, and this harvest is what we wait for from one year to the next." He pointed out that their emotional attachment to the land and its products makes it impossible for them to turn away from it.
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Security Concerns and Consequences
Despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, the situation remains unstable. Raef Bazieh, a local official, emphasized that bombings and attacks on the outskirts of the village have caused concern and fear among residents. Due to these dangers, residents have requested the Lebanese army to accompany them during the olive harvest. However, Mustafa Barakat, a 50-year-old carpenter, admitted that even with the army's presence, they do not feel secure.
Israeli attacks have inflicted significant damage on Lebanese farmers, with 26 Lebanese soldiers killed in 2026. The Lebanese army has distanced itself from these conflicts, stating that the target of Israeli attacks is Hezbollah and its infrastructure.
Despite all these dangers, farmers do not abandon their olives. Barakat said: "This land is our identity, a passport we carry with us. If we leave it, we will truly be without identity." While the shadow of war has loomed over the olive harvest for four consecutive years, Lebanese farmers are determined to continue their activities.
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