The seizure of nearly half a tonne of explosives in Lebanon has reignited fears of political assassinations and intensified tensions over Hezbollah's weapons, amid conflicting reports about the shipment's intended use.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam vowed on Monday that there would be "no tolerance or turning a blind eye, but truth and accountability", pledging to pursue everyone involved in the case.
Security forces arrested two men several days ago in Dahr al-Baidar, on the main road connecting the Bekaa Valley to Beirut, after discovering the explosives in their vehicle. The suspects are believed to have links to Hezbollah, although neither the group nor security authorities have issued an official statement on the incident.
Conflicting media reports have suggested that the detainees admitted to transporting the shipment on Hezbollah's orders to Beirut's southern suburbs, while other accounts claimed they had not acknowledged the group's involvement or identified the intended recipient.
Judicial sources told The New Arab that numerous inaccurate accounts were circulating.
"The case is sensitive and is being followed up in coordination between the various agencies. The investigations will continue until the end, and it is unacceptable to prejudge their outcome," the sources said.
They added that investigators were pursuing names mentioned during the suspects' initial questioning but declined to confirm reports implicating two Hezbollah commanders.
Salam praised the security forces for intercepting the shipment, acknowledging public concerns given the use of C-4 explosives in several political assassinations in Lebanon's recent history.
He pledged to identify those responsible and their motives, warning that his government would act firmly against weapons possessed, transported or used outside state authority.
Justice Minister Adel Nassar similarly said efforts to disarm unauthorised groups, combat terrorism and prosecute lawbreakers were irreversible.
Hezbollah defends armed resistance
Hezbollah MP Ibrahim Mousawi defended the group's activities on Monday, saying that if the vehicle belonged to the group, it would have nothing to hide.
"If it is true that the vehicle belongs to the resistance, everyone should know that the resistance is neither ashamed nor embarrassed, and carries out its duty openly," he said.
Mousawi argued that Hezbollah had a legitimate right to resist Israel's continued occupation and attacks on Lebanon, particularly while the Lebanese army lacked the equipment and political backing to confront Israel.
He also rejected suggestions linking the shipment to potential political assassinations, describing such accusations as unacceptable and insisting Hezbollah had avoided internal conflict even when it was at the height of its military strength.
Fears of renewed assassinations
The seizure has revived memories of Lebanon's wave of political assassinations between 2004 and 2008, which targeted prominent politicians, journalists and security officials opposed to Hezbollah and the Syrian government. Many of the killings remain unresolved.
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea described the incident as the most dangerous security development in years, questioning why the explosives were being transported towards Beirut rather than southern Lebanon if they were intended for use against Israel.
Kataeb Party leader Sami Gemayel drew parallels with the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
"In 2005, the truck carrying explosives was not intercepted, and the result was the assassination of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri," he wrote on X.
Gemayel warned of a possible new wave of assassinations and urged the government to dismantle Hezbollah's military and security infrastructure.
Independent MP Yassin Yassin also called for all weapons to be brought under state control, warning against waiting for another assassination before taking action.
Meanwhile, MP Ashraf Rifi demanded a comprehensive investigation into the shipment's origins, destination and intended use, including any possible links to previous political assassinations.
The controversy comes as Lebanese security forces intensify operations against weapons and drug smuggling along the Syrian border.
In recent weeks, authorities have intercepted shipments including 245 kilograms of TNT, explosive devices and detonators.
On Friday, the Lebanese army announced that it had foiled another attempt to smuggle rocket-propelled grenades, explosives and drugs from Syria into Lebanon, during an operation involving an armed confrontation with a suspected smuggler.