Timour Azhari

BEIRUT, (Reuters) – Monday’s criticism by Lebanon’s leader of the Iran-backed Hezbollah was not in the country’s best interest and did not represent its official stance.

Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab States expelled Lebanese ambassadors after they were criticized by Hezbollah for their dominance over the Lebanese.

Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah of Hezbollah accused Saudi Arabia’s terrorist king Monday.

Nasrallah stated, using the acronym Islamic State to refer to hardline Islamist group Islamic State that established a caliphate in Syria and Iraq.

Mikati issued a statement in which he distanced himself from Hezbollah leader.

“What… Nasrallah stated about Saudi Arabia tonight does not reflect the position of both the Lebanese government, and the majority of Lebanese. It’s not in the interest of Lebanon to offend Arab countries, particularly those from the Gulf.

For God’s sake, show mercy to Lebanon and Lebanese citizens and end the hatredful sectarian rhetoric.

Lebanese officials such as President Michel Aoun who is an ally of Hezbollah, and Mikati called for dialogue to Saudi Arabia to solve the diplomatic crisis. This has added fuel to the economic meltdown that now enters its third year.

Saudi Arabia called for Lebanon to stop “terrorist Hebzollah”‘s influence on the state. Mikati has several ministers who are backed both by Hezbollah as well as its ally, the Amal.

Mikati created a government with the goal of creating an International Monetary Fund support program and launching economic recovery.

Hezbollah has demanded that he convene Cabinet on Oct. 12, and Amal is requesting that a probe be limited into the fatal August 2020 Beirut explosion.