Tel Aviv, March 30 -- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar on Monday sharply criticised Lebanon, claiming it is effectively under Iranian control and failing to act against the influence of Hezbollah.

In a post on X, Sa'ar alleged that Beirut had not enforced its own decision to expel Iran's ambassador Mohammad Reza Shiba, despite a deadline passing on March 29.

He said, "Last week, the Lebanese Foreign Ministry declared the Iranian ambassador a "persona non grata" and set a deadline for his expulsion from Lebanon. That deadline expired yesterday, March 29th."

He added, "This morning, the Iranian ambassador is sipping his coffee in Beirut, mocking the host 'country'. Hezbollah ministers also continue to serve in the Lebanese governmen...