Hezbollah claims confiscated explosives and denies assassination plans
A Hezbollah official acknowledged Thursday that a truck of explosives seized by Lebanese authorities last week belonged to the group. The official stated the materials were intended for use against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. While claiming the weapons were for external conflict, Hezbollah denied plans to assassinate political opponents. This admission follows the seizure of the shipment and comes amid diplomatic pressure from the United States for Lebanon to resist Hezbollah's influence over the confiscated materials.
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- ✓ A Hezbollah official acknowledged Thursday that a truck of explosives seized by Lebanese authorities last week belonged to the group.
- ✓ Hezbollah stated the explosives were intended for use against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.
- ✓ Hezbollah denied plans to assassinate opponents.
What changed
Hezbollah officially admitted ownership of the seized explosives truck and specified their intended target as Israeli forces.
Live updates
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Hezbollah Claims Ownership of Seized Explosives, Denies Assassination Plots
A Hezbollah official acknowledged Thursday that a truck of explosives seized by Lebanese authorities last week belonged to the group. The official stated the materials were intended for use against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. While claiming the weapons were for external conflict, Hezbollah denied plans to assassinate political opponents. This admission follows the seizure of the shipment and comes amid diplomatic pressure from the United States for Lebanon to resist Hezbollah's influence over the confiscated materials.
Why it matters
The incident occurs as the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs suggests smuggling activities signal preparations for renewed war with Israel. Tensions are high in Beirut, where Iranian officials are working to reassert presence amid differences with President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.
What is confirmed
- A Hezbollah official acknowledged Thursday that a truck of explosives seized by Lebanese authorities last week belonged to the group.
- Hezbollah stated the explosives were intended for use against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.
- Hezbollah denied plans to assassinate opponents.
Still unconfirmed
- Rubio spoke with Lebanon's Aoun about the confiscation of explosives from Hezbollah.
- The smuggling of explosives signals preparations for renewed war with Israel.
What to watch next
- Lebanese government decisions regarding the disposition of the seized explosives
- Further diplomatic communications between the US and Lebanese leadership
- Official responses from Israeli security forces regarding the intended attacks
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (16)
- www.yahoo.com — Yahoo
- www.ctvnews.ca — U.S. midterms: Republicans shy away from Trump ahead of vote
- AP News — Hezbollah claims confiscated explosives and denies assassination plans
- Reuters — Hezbollah says it owned confiscated explosives, meant to attack Israel
- Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs — Hizbullah’s Explosives Smuggling Signals Preparations for Renewed War with Israel
- The Jerusalem Post — Why would Hezbollah admit its explosives were smuggled into Lebanon? - analysis
- RealClearWorld — Lebanon's False Claims of Disarming Hezbollah
- Axios — Rubio urges Lebanon to resist Hezbollah pressure over seized explosives
- The Jerusalem Post — Rubio spoke with Lebanon's Aoun about confiscation of explosives from Hezbollah, US official says
- elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 10/15 Links Pt1: Why Hamas Cheered Navi Pillay’s Nobel Peace Prize; Kontorovich: Europe Risks an Economic War over Israel and th....
- www.yahoo.com — Hezbollah claims confiscated explosives and denies ... - Yahoo
- www.ctvnews.ca — Hezbollah denies plan to assassinate opponents - CTV News
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