The Lebanese Council of Ministers decided on Thursday to conduct further research regarding the referral of the "Hezbollah" explosives truck case to the Judicial Council, without making a final decision on the matter. This was announced by Minister of Information Paul Merguez at a press conference following a Council of Ministers session, chaired by President Joseph Aoun, and attended by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and ministers, at the Baabda Presidential Palace, east of the capital Beirut.
Referring a case to the Judicial Council means transferring it to the country's highest exceptional criminal court, a step taken in crimes of extreme gravity that affect national security, civil peace, and internal or external state security. Merguez stated that "the Council of Ministers considered this case dangerous because it threatens the country's security and the safety of citizens, and emphasized the necessity of proceeding with the investigation without any restriction or limit other than the ceiling of the law."
Follow-up of Judicial Investigation
He added that "the Council decided to follow up on the request of the Ministry of Justice to refer the case to the Judicial Council, according to the progress of investigation stages." In early October, Lebanese security forces seized a truck loaded with large quantities of explosives, which "Hezbollah" admitted to owning, stating it was intended to confront Israeli occupation forces in the south of the country.
Conflicting Demands
The party demanded the return of the explosives and the release of detainees arrested in connection with their seizure, while the government insists on implementing its decisions regarding monopolizing weapons and military and security activities in the hands of state institutions. On August 5, 2025, the Lebanese government decided to monopolize weapons in the country in the hands of the state, including those owned by "Hezbollah."
Israeli Government Position
However, "Hezbollah" has stated on multiple occasions that it remains committed to its weapons and called for ending Israel's aggression on Lebanon and its withdrawal from its occupied territories. On Sunday, the Prime Minister said in a statement that he is "following the expansion of the investigation into the explosives shipment and arresting all those involved in possessing and transporting any illegal weapons, so they may face punishment."
Regional Context
He added: "We have no limit other than the ceiling of the law, and I seize this opportunity to call on everyone to prioritize the country's interest over any other consideration, and not to link it to any external interests or goals, and I reiterate that the decision of war and peace must remain solely in the hands of the state and its constitutional institutions." Since March 2 of last year, Israel has been launching an aggression on Lebanon that has resulted in thousands of dead and injured, as well as the displacement of large numbers of people.
On June 26 of last year, Beirut and Tel Aviv signed a "framework formula" under US sponsorship, which stipulates a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territories, the deployment of the Lebanese Army there, and the disarmament of "Hezbollah." Despite the agreement, Israel continues its attacks on southern Lebanon, while still occupying Lebanese areas, some of which for decades, and others it controlled during recent wars and military operations.
Source: Anadolu Agency
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