US Urges Lebanon to Keep Seized Hezbollah Explosives Out of Militant Hands
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio tells Lebanese President Joseph Aoun not to return confiscated explosives to Hezbollah, demanding full accountability.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, United States — United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio strongly advised Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday against returning several hundred kilograms of confiscated explosives to Hezbollah, according to a State Department official.
The conversation centered on a recent operation where Lebanese authorities intercepted a shipment of explosives that a Hezbollah official and a Lebanese security source revealed were intended for explosive drones targeting Israeli troops.
Following the seizure, Hezbollah and its political allies pressured the government to release two detained members and hand back the confiscated materials.
During their phone call on Thursday, Rubio urged President Aoun to ensure that everyone who ordered, financed, and directed the illicit shipment faces full accountability.
A State Department official noted that Rubio explicitly underscored that returning the explosives to Hezbollah should be completely out of the question.
The high-stakes diplomatic exchange serves as a critical test of the Lebanese government’s institutional resolve to stand up to the group and enforce national policy.
During the dialogue, President Aoun affirmed the Lebanese army’s steadfast commitment to confiscating unauthorized weapons and preventing armed displays across the country.
In response to the broader security climate, Rubio additionally pressed for direct military communication channels between Lebanese and Israeli forces to maintain safety.
Amid ongoing regional tensions, President Aoun also requested that the United States apply pressure in related areas.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
