Rubio urges Lebanon to seize Hezbollah weapons shipment

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to take action against those responsible for a shipment of explosives allegedly intended for Hezbollah, as Beirut reaffirmed its commitment to bringing all weapons under state control.

Aoun discussed the confiscation of explosives intended for use against Israel during a telephone call with Rubio on Thursday, according to the Lebanese Presidential Palace.

Aoun assured Rubio that Lebanese security forces were carrying out their duties to confiscate illicit weapons across the country.

Last week, security forces intercepted a truck carrying 780kg of explosives on a highway between Beirut and the eastern Bekaa Valley.

On Thursday, Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah acknowledged the group's connection to the shipment, saying the materials were intended for operations against Israel.

Speaking to reporters at the Lebanese parliament, Fadlallah said Hezbollah had contacted security agencies to clarify ownership of the vehicle and its cargo. He also called for the return of the materials and the release of detained personnel.

Rubio urged Aoun to hold accountable those who ordered, financed and directed the shipment, a US State Department official told American media. The official said Rubio stressed that returning the explosives to Hezbollah should not be an option.

Rubio also called for direct military-to-military communication between Lebanese and Israeli forces to prevent clashes and improve coordination, the official added.

In response, Aoun asked Rubio to press Israel to stop its attacks and destruction in southern Lebanon, according to the Presidential Palace.

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

source : Al Jazeera

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