Rubio Reportedly Urges Lebanon to Keep Seized Explosives and Contact Israeli Military

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday to retain several hundred kilograms of explosives seized from Hezbollah, according to a State Department official. Rubio sought accountability for those who ordered, financed and directed the shipment. He also urged direct communication between Lebanese and Israeli military forces to reduce miscalculation and advance the Trilateral Framework. Lebanon’s presidency confirmed the evening call and said Aoun described efforts by the army and security agencies to confiscate weapons and ammunition, combat smuggling and enforce the law without favoritism.