Lebanon Cabinet Postpones Referral of Hezbollah Explosives Case Pending Further Investigations

What happened

Naharnet reports that Lebanon’s Cabinet met Thursday at the presidential palace and decided to postpone referring Hezbollah's explosives case to the Judicial Council, the nation’s highest criminal court for national security issues, until investigations are completed. This decision led to Lebanese Forces ministers walking out of the session in protest.

Local media cited Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri advising Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and President Joseph Aoun against referring the case to the Judicial Council at this time, aiming to avoid confrontation with Hezbollah. Ministers from Amal and Hezbollah participated in the Cabinet session following assurances that no surprise vote on the referral would occur.

Ahead of the meeting, Berri publicly voiced support for the Lebanese Army’s mandate, emphasizing the army as a 'red line' in regards to dismantling Hezbollah’s weapons in southern Lebanon. During the session, President Aoun praised Berri for supporting the army, safeguarding civil peace, and maintaining openness to dialogue. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Salam reiterated rejection of illegal arms transport and storage.

Known from the source

• Lebanon’s Cabinet met on Thursday at the presidential palace.
• The Cabinet decided to postpone referring Hezbollah's explosives case to the Judicial Council until investigations are concluded.
• Lebanese Forces ministers walked out in protest over the postponement.
• Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri advised against referral to avoid confrontation with Hezbollah.
• Amal and Hezbollah ministers participated after guarantees no surprise vote on referral would occur.

What remains unclear

The Cabinet’s postponement underscores the political tightrope in managing Hezbollah’s armed status within Lebanon amid broader national security and judicial challenges. The balance between pursuing legal accountability and avoiding immediate political crisis reflects entrenched divisions and the complex reality of Lebanon’s armed groups and governance.

What remains unclear: Exact nature and timeline of ongoing investigations into the explosives case. Details of the guarantees given to Hezbollah and Amal ministers about referral voting procedures. Whether the postponement represents a strategic political compromise or a delay. Potential impact on Lebanese security, southern Lebanon, and UNIFIL activities.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has treated the source material as confirmed within the supplied source context, while retaining attribution to the original publisher.

Original source: Naharnet Lebanon. Open the source.