Hezbollah admits ownership of Lebanese-seized explosives: 'Bound for Attacks on IDF'

In a rare admission, Hezbollah has acknowledged that explosives seized by Lebanese authorities on Thursday belonged to the group. The explosives, totaling over 500 kilograms, included C4 plastic explosives, which were smuggled into Lebanon from Syria. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called for "no leniency" and emphasized the need for "truth and accountability" in this incident.

Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah stated that the explosives belonged to "the party," a euphemism for Hezbollah. The shipment was reportedly packed in bags and prepared for smuggling from Syrian territory into Lebanese territory. Lebanese authorities have been investigating the incident, involving judicial police, military intelligence, and the information branch of the Internal Security Forces.

While Lebanon and Syria are attempting to prevent smuggling along their shared border, the Lebanese government has been reluctant to directly mention Hezbollah, possibly to avoid implicating the group in the smuggling. This incident comes amid efforts to intimidate Lebanese officials who meet with American and Israeli officials, and Hezbollah's objective appears to be to intimidate these officials.

Hezbollah has been a threat to Lebanon, challenging the state, and has been linked to several incidents, including the 2020 Beirut Port blast and the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri in 2005.