{
  "id": 14227643,
  "title": "Hezbollah explosive smuggling, illegal finance network leads to calls for probe by Lebanese PMs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/hezbollah-explosive-smuggling-illegal-finance-network-leads-to-calls",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-13T15:24:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-911587"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Hezbollah has been accused of smuggling explosives and engaging in an illegal finance network, leading to calls for a government investigation. Lebanese forces seized 500 kilograms of explosives in Dahr al-Baidar, Bekaa Valley, along with nearly 200 additional kilograms near the Lebanese-Syrian border. The explosives contained metal balls and nails, designed to maximize damage. Two Hezbollah-connected individuals were arrested during the seizure.\n\nThe Alma Education and Research Center questioned why Hezbollah would risk such a large shipment if they believed the vehicle would be inspected. Former judge and MP George Okais alleged that security cameras in Chtoura Municipality and Jalala had been smashed, possibly linked to the explosives smuggling.\n\nMP Najat Saliba claimed that the seized explosives were used in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri in 2005. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salman and Justice Minister Adel Nassar promised a full investigation into the sources of the funds and the shipments.",
  "summary": "Hezbollah might have always intended for the shipment to be discovered with the aim of sending a threatening psychological message to the political and security figures working to disarm the org.",
  "key_points": [
    "Lebanese forces seized 500 kg of explosives in Bekaa Valley.",
    "Hezbollah-connected individuals arrested during seizure.",
    "Investigation promised by Lebanese PMs and Minister."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/14227643.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Al-Monitor",
        "title": "Hezbollah outlines financial aid plan for Lebanese with destroyed homes",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/hezbollah-outlines-financial-aid-plan-for-lebanese-with-destroyed",
        "published": "2026-10-13T10:46:27.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Haaretz",
        "title": "Hezbollah unveils aid plan for Lebanese civilians displaced during war",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/hezbollah-unveils-aid-plan-for-lebanese-civilians-displaced-during-war",
        "published": "2026-10-13T11:41:30.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Hezbollah to compensate owners of homes destroyed in Lebanon during war with Israel",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/hezbollah-to-compensate-owners-of-homes-destroyed-in-lebanon-during",
        "published": "2026-10-13T12:45:39.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Times of Israel",
        "title": "Hezbollah vows to compensate owners of Lebanese homes destroyed in war with Israel",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/hezbollah-vows-to-compensate-owners-of-lebanese-homes-destroyed-in",
        "published": "2026-10-13T14:24:23.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}