The investigation into the Beirut Port explosion, which killed over 200 people and caused widespread devastation, is moving into its next phase. Judge Tarek Bitar, who had faced significant legal obstacles, will now summon politicians, military officers, security personnel, and judges for questioning, Annahar reported, citing sources familiar with the case.

Bitar is also expected to review international requests for information that had previously been blocked by former Prosecutor General Ghassan Oueidat. These key developments set the stage for the second phase of the investigation, which is expected to lead to an indictment. A significant portion of the work has already been completed, with the goal of finalizing the case before August 4, marking the fifth anniversary of the explosion.

With the investigation now back on track, Bitar will begin questioning high-profile figures, including former Prime Minister Hassan Diab, former Prosecutor General Ghassan Oueidat, former Minister Nohad Machnouk, and MP Ghazi Zoaiter. Judges Ghassan Al-Khoury, Jad Maalouf, and Carla Chouah, as well as the former heads of the General Security and State Security agencies, Ibrahim Abbas and Tony Saliba, are also set to be questioned.

Already, Bitar has completed interrogations with key individuals, including Moussa Hazimeh, the acting head of Beirut Port Customs; Brigadier General Asaad al-Tufayli, the former head of the Higher Council of Customs; and Colonel Adel Francis of General Security. All remain under investigation.