After 780kg Explosives Seizure, Rubio Presses Lebanon on Confiscation of Hezbollah Weapons
Hezbollah seeks cargo return
At Lebanon’s parliament, Fadlallah said Hezbollah had contacted security agencies to clarify who owned the vehicle and cargo. He said the group demanded the materials be returned and detained personnel released. On Monday, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Lebanon would investigate and track down Hezbollah members linked to the incident.
State control remains disputed
For years, Hezbollah moved weapons freely across parts of Lebanon. The article does not specify when the government’s commitment to state control will be carried out.
Washington urges military contact
Rubio also advocated direct military-to-military communication between Lebanese and Israeli forces “for deconfliction,” according to the official cited in the report. Separately, Rubio spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about Iran on Thursday, according to Israeli media reports. Israel has repeatedly violated the November 2024 ceasefire deal with Hezbollah, while Lebanon has frequently reported civilian casualties.
Key points
- Lebanon intercepted a truck carrying 780kg of explosives on a highway between Beirut and the Bekaa Valley.
- Aoun discussed confiscating the explosives with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
- Hezbollah sought the return of the cargo and the release of detained personnel, Fadlallah said.
- Lebanon has pledged state control of weapons, while Hezbollah says it will continue transporting arms.