Rubio Urges Lebanon to Hold Hezbollah Accountable Over Seized Explosives

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged Lebanon to hold accountable those responsible for transporting explosives allegedly linked to Hezbollah, as Beirut reiterates its commitment to bringing all weapons under state control.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun discussed the seizure of an explosives-laden truck with Rubio during a telephone call on Thursday, according to a statement from the Lebanese Presidential Palace. Aoun assured the US secretary of state that Lebanese security forces were carrying out their duties to confiscate illicit weapons across the country.

The development follows last week’s interception of a truck carrying approximately 780kg (1,720lb) of explosives on a highway connecting Beirut with the eastern Bekaa Valley.

Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah acknowledged the group’s connection to the shipment on Thursday, telling reporters at parliament that the materials were intended for operations against Israel.

Fadlallah said Hezbollah had contacted security agencies to clarify ownership of the vehicle and its cargo. He also called for the return of the seized materials and the release of personnel detained in connection with the incident.

A US State Department official, speaking to American media, said Rubio had urged Aoun to ensure accountability for those who ordered, financed and directed the shipment. Rubio reportedly stressed that returning the explosives to Hezbollah should not be considered an option.

The US secretary of state also advocated direct military-to-military communication between Lebanon and Israel to help prevent unintended escalation and coordinate military deconfliction.

In response, Aoun called on Washington to press Israel to halt its attacks and the destruction of infrastructure in southern Lebanon, according to the presidential statement.

## Lebanon launches investigation

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam confirmed on Monday that authorities would investigate the shipment and identify Hezbollah members allegedly involved in the operation.

Judicial officials told The Associated Press that the truck was carrying 780kg of explosives, including approximately 250kg (550lb) of TNT and additional C4 plastic explosives.

Salam described the transportation of the explosives as a “criminal operation” and praised security forces for intercepting the vehicle along the strategically important highway linking Beirut and the Bekaa Valley.

The seizure comes amid mounting pressure on the Lebanese government to establish state control over weapons and restrict Hezbollah’s military activities.

In March, the government declared all military activities by Hezbollah illegal. However, the group has maintained that it intends to continue transporting weapons as part of its confrontation with Israel.

## Ceasefire tensions persist

The dispute unfolds against a backdrop of continued Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon and persistent tensions over ceasefire commitments.

Despite diplomatic efforts led by Washington, Lebanon has repeatedly reported Israeli attacks and civilian casualties following the November 2024 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah.

Earlier this year, Lebanese and Israeli envoys held direct diplomatic discussions in Washington under Rubio’s auspices, marking a significant step towards communication between the two countries.

Nevertheless, heavy Israeli attacks have continued across southern Lebanon, where numerous villages have reportedly been demolished and extensive areas remain under Israeli military occupation, despite a framework agreement signed in June.

The Lebanese government faces the dual challenge of asserting its authority over armed groups while seeking an end to Israeli military operations and further destruction in the south.

Separately, Rubio spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday about Iran, according to Israeli media reports.