Hezbollah says seized explosives were intended for use against Israeli forces

Hezbollah acknowledged that explosives seized in Lebanon belonged to the group.

The explosives were found in a truck stopped at a checkpoint last week, and two people were arrested.

Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah said they were intended for use against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.

The seizure had raised fears they might be used in attacks inside Lebanon, but Fadlallah called that claim baseless.

The incident highlights a dispute over the government's effort to bring all weapons under state control.

In March, the government outlawed Hezbollah's military activities after the group fired rockets at Israel, drawing Lebanon into the regional war.

Hezbollah says it will not disarm while Israeli troops remain on Lebanese land.

Fadlallah asked authorities to return the explosives and release the two detainees; officials say their investigation will pursue others involved in the shipment.