Lebanese Justice Minister pushes for judicial referral of explosives file

Lebanese Justice Minister Adel Nassar has reaffirmed his commitment to referring the Dahr al-Beidar explosives shipment file to the Supreme Judicial Council. While President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reportedly support the principle of the referral, they have expressed disagreement regarding the timing.

The issue caused significant friction during a recent cabinet session, leading ministers from the Lebanese Forces party to withdraw in protest. The party expressed dissatisfaction with a last-minute understanding, reportedly brokered by Speaker Nabih Berri, which delayed a decision on the matter. Lebanese Forces sources argue that the movement of these explosives is illegal and undermines the state's authority over weaponry.

Minister Nassar emphasized that the file is a serious matter affecting national security and is not subject to political settlements. He noted that investigations are ongoing and that the cabinet has linked further action to the progress of these inquiries. Nassar also addressed tensions regarding Hezbollah, stating that the group's actions and the unauthorized movement of weapons have weakened the state's negotiating position and hindered efforts to consolidate arms under state control.