The diplomatic crisis between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon continues: The Saudi newspaper Ukhaz published a tape today (Thursday) in which Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdullah Bo Habib was heard during a conversation with journalists, sharply criticizing Riyadh.
Minister Abdullah claimed that the biggest aid Lebanon receives is from the European Union and the World Bank, which has been interpreted in Ukhaz as a disregard for the support of the Gulf states.
The Lebanese minister was also heard saying that "Saudi Arabia gives a lot of money to Lebanon, but not to the Lebanese state - but in the elections. What does the Lebanese state have to do with this?"
Referring to the influence of the Hezbollah terrorist organization in the country, the minister said: "The Americans pressed hard during the Trump era and Foreign Minister Pompeo. They demanded that we get rid of Hezbollah. But how is that possible? About us. "
In light of the current crisis with Saudi Arabia, the Lebanese foreign minister said it was a legitimate dispute and clarified: "If we do not allow disagreement between views then I do not want this brotherhood."
He also mentioned that in the previous crisis that arose following the remarks of the former Lebanese foreign minister and led to his resignation - the Saudis were not satisfied with that.
In addition, the minister said that if there was no market in Saudi Arabia for captagon bullets - there would be no smuggling from Lebanon.
As you may recall, the Saudis accused Hezbollah of smuggling drugs into the country.
The crisis between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon began about two weeks ago, when a video of Information Minister George Kordahi was circulated on social media.
In a program on Al-Jazeera, which aired before his appointment, the minister criticized Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for their war in Saudi Arabia.
Following this, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait expelled the Lebanese ambassadors.