US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Lebanese President Joseph Aoun not to return a shipment of explosives seized by Lebanese authorities to Hezbollah, calling for accountability for those involved in transporting and financing the shipment. Rubio also called for direct communication between the Lebanese and Israeli armies to prevent escalation and miscalculations.
A US official said Thursday that Rubio stressed during a phone call with Aoun that returning the explosives to Hezbollah “should not be an option.” He also called for those who ordered, financed, or managed the shipment to be held accountable.
Lebanese security forces detained two men last week suspected of belonging to Hezbollah while they were transporting approximately 500 kilograms of explosive materials.
Hezbollah Acknowledges Ownership of the Shipment
Hezbollah acknowledged for the first time that the seized shipment belonged to the group. Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah said the group contacted security and judicial authorities after the vehicle was intercepted, informing them that both the vehicle and its cargo belonged to Hezbollah.
Fadlallah added that the group had requested the release of the detained men and the return of the vehicle and its contents, describing the seized materials as capabilities used by Hezbollah against Israel.
Rubio Calls for Direct Military Communication
Rubio also criticized Lebanon’s 1955 law criminalizing direct relations and communication with Israel, arguing that it poses an obstacle to peace efforts.
According to the US official, Rubio called for direct communication channels between the Lebanese and Israeli armed forces to prevent clashes, reduce the risk of miscalculation, and gradually advance the implementation of existing understandings between the two sides.
The Lebanese presidency said Aoun reaffirmed during the call that the Lebanese army and security forces were continuing to implement decisions aimed at preventing armed displays, seizing weapons and ammunition, and combating smuggling. Aoun also asked Rubio to pressure Israel to halt attacks in southern Lebanon.
US Pressure to Disarm Hezbollah
The developments come amid US pressure on Lebanon to implement a plan to disarm Hezbollah. They also follow US-brokered negotiations that resulted in a framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel in late June, providing for the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from areas they occupy in southern Lebanon.
