Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday denied reports that judicial proceedings were underway against the country’s ambassador to the United States, Nada Hamadeh Mouawad, as Washington sharply criticized a complaint filed against her and warned that Lebanese judges involved in the case could face U.S. sanctions.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said reports circulating about legal proceedings against Mouawad were inaccurate. It stressed that any judicial measure against public officials requires the explicit approval of the competent minister, in accordance with applicable legal procedures.

The ministry also emphasized that Mouawad’s appointment was made by President Joseph Aoun in agreement with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and in accordance with the relevant constitutional provisions.

The complaint was filed after Mouawad allegedly contacted Israeli Ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter to condemn the attack that left his son in critical condition. The reported contact has raised questions over Lebanon’s laws prohibiting direct engagement with Israel.

Lebanese lawyer Hassan Adel Bazzi filed the complaint with the country’s top public prosecutor following a Sept. 27 report by the Beirut Review detailing the alleged interaction. The prosecutor has reportedly referred the complaint to the military judicial authorities for consideration.

U.S. Condemns Complaint

Earlier, a U.S. official familiar with the matter told The Times of Israel that the State Department was weighing sanctions against Lebanese judges involved in handling a complaint against Mouawad.

It remained unclear whether punitive measures would be imposed only if the complaint was not dismissed or whether the mere consideration of the case could trigger sanctions, the official said.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson sharply criticized the complaint, describing it as “embarrassing” and defending Mouawad’s actions as consistent with the policy of Lebanon’s legitimate government and its participation in U.S.-led negotiations.

“We are aware of the complaint leveled by a pro-Hezbollah lawyer against [Mouawad]. It is embarrassing that a military court is handling a complaint against the Lebanese ambassador in Washington for carrying out the policy of her legitimate government and engaging in U.S.-led negotiations,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson also accused Bazzi of being affiliated with Hezbollah and urged Lebanon’s military judiciary to focus its resources on prosecuting members of the group rather than pursuing individuals acting on behalf of the Lebanese state.

“The Lebanese military judiciary should use its limited resources to prosecute Hezbollah operatives plotting against the Lebanese government and people instead of those working on their behalf,” the statement said.

“Laws and practices that enable this kind of politicized targeting of civilians and diplomats, while systematically shielding Hezbollah operatives, must be repealed. We have no patience for obstruction,” it added.