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Marco Rubio urges Lebanon to withhold seized Hezbollah explosives
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun regarding the seizure of half a ton of explosives by Lebanese authorities. Rubio demanded that the explosives, which Hezbollah has claimed belong to the group for use in the 'resistance' against Israel, not be returned to the organization. He further urged the Lebanese government to hold those responsible for the shipment and its financing accountable.
During the discussion, Rubio criticized Lebanon's 1955 boycott law against Israel, describing it as an obstacle to peace and a tool for political prosecution. He also called for the establishment of direct military communication between Lebanese and Israeli forces to prevent accidental conflicts and facilitate the implementation of the June ceasefire framework.
In response, President Aoun assured the US that Lebanese security forces are actively working to combat smuggling and prevent armed demonstrations. Meanwhile, the Lebanese judiciary has moved to issue subpoenas for the arrest of Hezbollah officials, including Hussein Al-Abdullah, in connection with the explosives shipment.
Entities
Hezbollah · Joseph Aoun · Lebanon · Marco Rubio · United States · United States Department of State
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 6 SOURCES] Hezbollah claimed ownership of the half-ton of seized explosives, stating they were intended for the resistance against Israel. www.sadanews.ps · fimotro.gr · athina984.gr · www.iefimerida.gr · www.protothema.gr · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Lebanese President Joseph Aoun assured Rubio that security forces are working to prevent armed demonstrations and combat smuggling. www.sadanews.ps · fimotro.gr · athina984.gr · www.iefimerida.gr · www.protothema.gr · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Rubio criticized Lebanon's 1955 boycott law against Israel, calling it an obstacle to peace. www.sadanews.ps · fimotro.gr · athina984.gr · www.iefimerida.gr · www.protothema.gr · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Rubio called for direct military communication between Lebanese and Israeli forces to resolve conflicts. www.sadanews.ps · fimotro.gr · athina984.gr · www.iefimerida.gr · www.protothema.gr · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Marco Rubio stated that returning the seized explosives to Hezbollah is off the table. www.sadanews.ps · fimotro.gr · athina984.gr · www.iefimerida.gr · www.protothema.gr · +1 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Lebanese Prosecutor General Rami Al-Haj issued judicial subpoenas to arrest Hezbollah officials Hussein Al-Abdullah and Ali Ayoub. ardh.news