Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Oct 14: The United States has strongly condemned a complaint filed against Lebanon's Ambassador to Washington, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, after reports that she contacted Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter to inquire about the health of his son, who was wounded in a terrorist attack.
A US State Department spokesperson said Washington was aware of the complaint, which was filed by Lebanese lawyer Hassan Adel Bazzi, who is affiliated with Hezbollah, according to reports.
The spokesperson criticised the handling of the complaint by Lebanon's military justice system, saying the ambassador was implementing her government's policy and participating in US-led negotiations.
The State Department said Lebanon's military justice system should focus its limited resources on prosecuting Hezbollah operatives allegedly planning actions against the Lebanese government and its citizens, rather than targeting officials acting on behalf of the state.
Washington also urged Lebanon to repeal laws and procedures that it said enabled the political persecution of citizens and diplomats while providing protection to Hezbollah operatives. “We have no patience for obstruction,” the spokesperson said.
The complaint followed a report published in September by Beirut Review, which stated that Moawad had contacted Leiter to ask about his son's condition following the attack. Lebanon's attorney-general subsequently referred the complaint to the government commissioner at the military court to examine whether legal action was warranted.
It remains unclear whether the complaint will lead to legal proceedings or be dismissed.
The development has raised concerns that the complaint could discourage officials involved in diplomatic negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, potentially complicating efforts to address tensions between the two countries.
The issue comes amid growing concerns in Lebanon over Hezbollah's activities and influence. The organisation recently claimed to have funds at its disposal, a claim rejected by the United States, which said the purported funds received from Iran did not exist.
Meanwhile, Lebanese authorities reported intercepting a shipment of explosives allegedly smuggled by two suspects affiliated with Hezbollah in a truck travelling from eastern Lebanon towards Beirut's southern suburbs.
The developments underscore the challenges facing the Lebanese government as it seeks to strengthen state authority amid continuing political and security tensions involving Hezbollah.