Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar has welcomed Lebanon’s reported decision to expel Iran’s ambassador-designate, urging Beirut to take further steps to curb the influence of Hezbollah amid heightened regional tensions.

“I welcome the decision … to expel the Iranian ambassador-designate from Lebanon,” Mr Sa’ar said on X.

He described the move as “a justified and necessary step” and accused Iran of violating Lebanon’s sovereignty and dragging it into war. His remarks come as tensions between Israel and Iran-backed groups across the region continue to escalate following months of cross-border hostilities.

Lebanon has not formally detailed the circumstances surrounding the reported expulsion, but the development signals growing pressure within the country over Iran’s role and its support for Hezbollah, the powerful Shia militant and political organisation. Hezbollah remains a dominant force in Lebanese politics and maintains close ties with Tehran, which provides it with financial and military backing.

Mr Sa’ar also urged the Lebanese government to take “practical and meaningful measures” against Hezbollah, noting the group’s representatives remain in government. His comments reflect Israel’s long-standing position that Hezbollah’s political and military integration undermines Lebanese sovereignty and stability.

The remarks come against the backdrop of ongoing exchanges along Israel’s northern border, where Hezbollah and Israeli forces have traded fire since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in late 2023. The confrontation has raised fears of a broader regional escalation involving Iran and its network of allied groups.

Western governments have repeatedly called on Lebanon to assert greater control over armed factions operating within its borders, while also warning against further destabilisation in a country already grappling with a prolonged economic crisis.

Israel has intensified diplomatic efforts to isolate Iran regionally, as well as military operations aimed at limiting the capabilities of Tehran-aligned groups. “A justified and necessary step,” Mr Sa’ar said, adding that further action was needed to prevent Lebanon from being drawn deeper into conflict.