BEIRUT, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Shia ministers boycotted the cabinet session on Thursday over a previous government decision to declare the Iranian ambassador persona non grata for interfering in internal affairs, al-Jadeed local TV channel reported.
The boycott comes days after Hezbollah called on Lebanese authorities to reverse the decision to declare the appointed Iranian ambassador to Lebanon, Mohammad Reza Shibani, persona non grata and order him to leave.
In a statement, Hezbollah said the decision lacked legal justification and was on "weak pretexts," describing it as a reckless step that does not serve Lebanon's national interests, sovereignty, or unity.
The group also warned that the decision could deepen internal divisions, urging Lebanese officials to adopt a unified position to strengthen the country and confront Israeli attacks.
Hezbollah entered the regional conflict on March 2 by launching rockets from southern Lebanon toward Israel for the first time since a ceasefire on Nov. 27, 2024. Israel carried out an intensified military campaign targeting multiple areas across the country. ■
