Lebanese Cabinet Debates Referring Hezbollah Explosives Case to Highest Criminal Court

What happened

Naharnet reports that the Lebanese Cabinet was set to meet on Thursday at the Presidential Palace to consider a Ministry of Justice request to refer the case of explosives seized from Hezbollah last week to the Judicial Council, Lebanon’s highest criminal court for national security matters. The explosives reportedly belonged to Hezbollah and were said by the group to be intended for use against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. According to local media, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri advised Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and President Joseph Aoun against referring the case at this point, urging a delay until investigations are complete. However, Prime Minister Salam insisted the issue remain on the agenda. The pro-Hezbollah newspaper al-Akhbar suggested that the President and Prime Minister considered withdrawing the item or placing it last on the agenda to avoid an immediate vote.

Reports from Lebanese newspaper Nidaa al-Watan indicate a probable majority in Cabinet supporting referral if a vote occurs — including ministers aligned with the President, Prime Minister, Lebanese Forces, and Kataeb Party. The Progressive Socialist Party has not committed to a position. Ministers from the Amal Movement lean toward objecting, although Berri confirmed they would participate in the session and not boycott.

Known from the source

• Lebanese Cabinet scheduled to meet Thursday at the Presidential Palace with referral of Hezbollah explosives case on agenda.
• Ministry of Justice requested referring Hezbollah explosives case to Judicial Council.
• Explosives reportedly seized last week from Hezbollah and said intended against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.
• Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri reportedly advised against immediate referral, seeking postponement until investigations conclude.
• Prime Minister Nawaf Salam insisted on keeping referral on agenda.

What remains unclear

Berri expressed concern regarding Lebanon’s general situation but emphasized support for the Lebanese army and its role in dismantling Hezbollah’s weapons in southern Lebanon, describing the army as a "red line." He called on Amal ministers to clearly explain any opposition to applying Lebanese law where ample evidence appears to exist.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Final outcome of the Cabinet meeting regarding the referral decision. Official positions of Hezbollah and allied ministers on the referral item. Any updates on the investigation into the explosives case and possible judicial proceedings.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Naharnet Lebanon. Open the source.