Lebanese judge summons 2 Hezbollah officials over seized explosives shipment

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Lebanese President Joseph Aoun not to return hundreds of kilograms of explosives recently seized from Hezbollah, according to a US State Department official. The discussion took place during a phone call between Rubio and Aoun on Thursday, following the interception of a truck carrying explosives near Beirut. The official confirmed that Rubio emphasized the need for accountability among those who ordered, financed, and directed the shipment of the explosives. He also stated that returning the explosives to Hezbollah should be ruled out entirely. Additionally, Rubio encouraged direct military communication between Lebanese and Israeli forces to avoid misunderstandings and reduce the risk of conflict. A Hezbollah lawmaker, Hassan Fadlallah, previously stated that the explosives seized by Lebanese security forces belonged to his group. According to Fadlallah, Hezbollah intended to use the explosives in explosive drones aimed at Israeli troops stationed in southern Lebanon. Both a Hezbollah official and a Lebanese security source informed Reuters that the explosives were meant for use in such drones. Aoun reportedly assured Rubio that Lebanese security forces are fully committed to enforcing policies that prevent the display of arms, confiscate weapons, and combat smuggling. He also requested that Rubio apply pressure on Israel to cease attacks on southern Lebanese towns and villages. The Lebanese government officially banned Hezbollah's military activities on March 2, following the group's launch of rockets in support of Iran. This action pulled Lebanon into the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel. Since then, tensions have escalated with both sides conducting strikes that have resulted in numerous casualties and displacement. Under a US-mediated agreement, Lebanon pledged to disarm Hezbollah, which would allow for a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the country. However, Hezbollah has refused to disarm as long as Israeli troops remain on Lebanese soil, and Israel continues its airstrikes in southern Lebanon. A Lebanese judge has summoned two Hezbollah officials regarding the seized explosives, indicating that security agencies are actively seeking to locate and apprehend members of the group. The judge noted that the agencies are working to bring these individuals into custody. During the call with Aoun, Rubio also criticized Lebanon's 1955 Boycott Law, which prohibits contact with Israelis. The US official mentioned that this law has been used for politically motivated prosecutions that hinder progress toward peace with Israel. Rubio urged Aoun to consider revising the law to facilitate better relations with Israel. Rubio highlighted the importance of direct military communication between Lebanese and Israeli forces to prevent accidental confrontations. He also emphasized the significance of advancing the Trilateral Framework, a plan signed in June outlining a phased approach for the Lebanese army to restore state authority and disarm non-state militias, including Hezbollah, while allowing for a progressive Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory. Lebanese officials confirmed that the government is determined to uphold the rule of law and will not release anyone found guilty of involvement in the smuggling operation. They reiterated that legal proceedings will be conducted fairly and without bias.