US Rebukes Lebanon Over Complaint Against Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad

The United States has criticised the handling of a complaint against Lebanon’s ambassador to Washington, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, accusing elements of the Lebanese judicial system of targeting a diplomat involved in US-led negotiations while failing to prioritise alleged threats posed by Hezbollah operatives.

A US State Department spokesperson said Washington was aware of a complaint filed by a lawyer described by the department as pro-Hezbollah against Moawad.

The department expressed concern that Lebanon’s military judiciary was handling a complaint linked to the ambassador’s diplomatic activities, arguing that she was carrying out the policies of her country’s legitimate government and participating in US-led negotiations.

“It is embarrassing that a military court is handling a complaint against the Lebanese Ambassador in Washington for carrying out the policy of their legitimate government and engaging in US-led negotiations,” the spokesperson said.

The remarks underline Washington’s support for Moawad’s role in diplomatic efforts involving Lebanon and Israel.

However, Lebanese broadcaster MTV reported on Tuesday that claims the ambassador had been referred for prosecution before a military court were inaccurate. Citing sources, the broadcaster said the public prosecutor at Lebanon’s Court of Cassation had forwarded the complaint to the government commissioner attached to the military court.

MTV described the move as a routine procedural step that did not, in itself, amount to a prosecution or a referral for investigation.

The US State Department urged Lebanon’s military judiciary to direct its resources towards Hezbollah operatives allegedly plotting against the Lebanese government and people, rather than officials representing the state.

The spokesperson also called for the repeal of laws and practices that Washington believes enable politically motivated legal action against civilians and diplomats while shielding Hezbollah operatives.

“Laws and practices that enable this kind of politicised targeting of civilians and diplomats, while systematically shielding Hizballah operatives, must be repealed. We have no patience for obstruction,” the spokesperson said.

Moawad has participated in diplomatic efforts amid continuing disagreements over Israeli military positions in southern Lebanon, the authority of Lebanese security institutions and the future of Hezbollah’s armed presence.

The complaint and Washington’s response come against the backdrop of efforts to address these contentious issues through negotiations under US diplomatic auspices.