Lebanese authorities have uncovered a large cache of explosives believed to have ties to Hezbollah, sparking heightened tensions and widespread public concern in Beirut. Security forces seized approximately 500 kilograms of explosives concealed in a vehicle at a checkpoint in Dahr al-Baidar in the Bekaa Valley late last week. Alongside the explosives, inspectors found metal balls and nails, materials commonly used to increase the lethality of bomb blasts. Two individuals reportedly connected to Hezbollah were arrested in relation to the incident.
The Lebanese military was credited with the discovery, which followed an earlier seizure of nearly 200 kilograms of explosives near the Lebanese-Syrian border. Some reports suggest that the explosives were uncovered after the vehicle carrying them was involved in an accident, although details remain unclear. The incident has raised questions about how the shipment was able to pass through the Dahr al-Baidar checkpoint, a permanent internal security post known for thorough inspections.
The Alma Education and Research Center expressed skepticism over Hezbollah’s willingness to transport such a significant quantity of explosives through a well-monitored crossing point, suggesting the group had confidence the vehicle would not be subjected to rigorous scrutiny. This has led some analysts to speculate that similar shipments might have previously passed without detection. Former judge and Lebanese parliamentarian George Okais highlighted a pattern of vandalism directed at security cameras in the region, which he believes may be linked to efforts to facilitate arms smuggling.
An alternative theory posited by the center is that Hezbollah deliberately allowed the shipment to be intercepted to send a psychological warning to political and security actors pushing for the group’s disarmament. Tensions have been running high recently amid discussions surrounding Hezbollah’s weapons and Lebanon’s ceasefire agreement with Israel.
Lebanese MP Najat Saliba noted the explosives bear resemblance to those used in the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, a blast that killed 22 people and injured over 200. A Lebanese political source reportedly told Kan News that Hezbollah has pressured the government to downplay the incident. Nevertheless, Prime Minister Nawaf Salman and Justice Minister Adel Nassar have vowed to conduct a thorough investigation. Nassar emphasized the severity of the situation, stating the explosives could detonate an entire neighborhood, and criticized the storage of such materials in populated areas as criminal.
The incident has provoked widespread criticism across Lebanon’s political spectrum, including from factions allied with Hezbollah. MP Wadhah al-Sadiq, a staunch opponent of Israel, condemned the shipment’s presence in Beirut, arguing that confronting Israel should not endanger Lebanese civilians or compromise national security. He called for an end to armed groups operating outside state control and warned against turning the capital into a battleground for political violence.
Hezbollah’s recent announcement of compensation funds totaling $14,000 for displaced persons has drawn scrutiny, with Lebanese MP Fouad Makhzoumi raising concerns about the sources and distribution methods of the funds. He warned against parallel financial channels that could circumvent official state mechanisms, asserting that true sovereignty requires exclusive state control over both arms and financial flows.
While Hezbollah has not issued an official statement addressing the explosive seizure, Hezbollah MP Ibrahim Mousawi defended the group, rejecting allegations and claiming there is no cause for embarrassment or shame. The situation remains a significant point of contention as Lebanon grapples with questions about the role of non-state armed groups and the government’s ability to assert authority.