Rubio Presses Lebanon on Seized Explosives Linked to Hezbollah

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to hold accountable those who ordered, financed and directed a shipment of explosives seized in Lebanon, saying returning the material to Hezbollah should be out of the question.

The two spoke by telephone about the confiscation of explosives intended for use against Israel, according to details of the call reported on Oct. 16. Al Jazeera

Lebanese authorities intercepted a truck carrying 780kg of explosives on a highway between Beirut and the eastern Bekaa Valley. The seizure has put renewed attention on efforts to bring weapons in Lebanon under state control.

Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah acknowledged the group's connection to the shipment. He said the materials were intended for operations against Israel. Fadlallah said Hezbollah had contacted security agencies to clarify ownership of the vehicle and cargo, and demanded the return of the materials and the release of detained personnel.

Aoun assured Rubio that Lebanese security forces are fully carrying out duties confiscating illicit arms across the country. He reaffirmed a commitment to bring all arms under state control.

Rubio advocated for direct military-to-military communication between Lebanese and Israeli forces for deconfliction, meaning direct contact intended to prevent unintended clashes. Aoun asked Rubio to press Israel to halt its attacks and destruction in southern Lebanon.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam confirmed Lebanon would conduct an investigation to track down Hezbollah members linked to the explosives truck incident. Salam described the transport as a criminal operation.

In March, the Lebanese government declared all military activities by Hezbollah illegal.