Rubio presses Lebanon on confiscation of weapons from Hezbollah

Key Points:

• Lebanese President Joseph Aoun discussed the recent confiscation of explosives intended for use against Israel during a call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, assuring that Lebanese security forces are actively seizing illicit arms nationwide.
• A truck carrying 780kg of explosives, including TNT and C4, was intercepted between Beirut and the Bekaa Valley; Hezbollah acknowledged involvement, stating the materials were meant for operations against Israel.
• Rubio urged Aoun to hold those responsible accountable and opposed returning the explosives to Hezbollah, while also advocating for direct military communication between Lebanese and Israeli forces to prevent conflicts.
• President Aoun requested Rubio to pressure Israel to stop attacks in southern Lebanon, amid ongoing tensions and ceasefire violations despite recent diplomatic efforts facilitated by the U.S.
• Lebanon’s government has declared Hezbollah’s military activities illegal, yet the group continues arms transport, complicating efforts to bring all weaponry under state control.