The United States is pressing Lebanon on three major issues: the investigation into an explosives shipment seized in Dahr al-Baidar, the repeal of the country’s law boycotting Israel, and arrangements for the period after the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) ends its operational mission, diplomatic sources told Al-Modon.

Washington’s involvement extends beyond the military situation in southern Lebanon, with the administration seeking what the sources described as parallel judicial, legislative and political steps by the Lebanese authorities.

The demands raise questions about the extent of U.S. pressure on Lebanon’s institutions and the government’s ability to manage matters of national sovereignty while Israeli attacks on the country continue.

US presses for broader investigation into explosives shipment

Washington is closely monitoring the investigation into the explosives shipment seized in Dahr al-Baidar and wants the case pursued to its conclusion without delays or attempts to water it down, diplomatic sources told Al-Modon.

The United States is particularly pressing for the case to be referred to the Judicial Council, rather than proceeding solely through the Military Court, the sources said.

Such a referral would broaden the scope of the investigation beyond those directly involved in transporting the explosives to examine the circumstances surrounding the shipment, the parties connected to it, its intended purpose and its final destination.

The pressure comes as investigators have yet to establish where the explosives were headed or what they were intended for.

Military Investigative Judge Ghada Abou Alwan has not insisted on re-questioning the two detainees, Ali al-Kurdi and Haitham Amhaz, after they denied knowing the shipment’s final destination. She is waiting for the complete investigation records, particularly communications data, in an effort to resolve any remaining ambiguities.

Washington turns attention to Parliament over Israel boycott law

The U.S. pressure also extends to Lebanon’s legislation on boycotting Israel.

Washington is showing growing interest in having the law repealed, diplomatic sources told Al-Modon, citing new messages reportedly delivered to the Lebanese state urging it to pass legislation abolishing the existing boycott and ban.

The administration has also signaled that it will monitor how parliamentary blocs position themselves on the proposed legislation, whether they support or oppose its passage, the sources said.

That would place Parliament directly within the scope of U.S. pressure and mark a shift in Washington’s demands from security matters to the legislative arena.

In the previous phase, U.S. attention had focused primarily on implementing Cabinet decisions concerning weapons, strengthening the Lebanese army’s deployment and monitoring areas where Hezbollah operates.

US and France coordinate on post-UNIFIL arrangements

A third focus of U.S. engagement is the international framework that will govern southern Lebanon after UNIFIL’s operational mission ends.

The United States and France are coordinating preparations for a new U.N. Security Council resolution to coincide with the end of the force’s operational activities at the end of December, diplomatic sources told Al-Modon.

Washington, working with Paris and potentially other international partners, wants any new resolution to be based on the framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel, according to the sources.