BEIRUT — Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said on Monday criticism of Saudi Arabia by the leader of Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah group did not serve the national interest or represent the country's official stance.

Saudi Arabia and a number of other Gulf Arab states withdrew ambassadors and expelled Lebanese envoys in October and November.

In a speech on Monday, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah talked out at Saudi Arabia. In response, Mikati rebuked the leader for his comments, distancing himself from the group.

"What ... Nasrallah said about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia this evening does not represent the position of the Lebanese government and most Lebanese. It is not in Lebanon's interest to offend any Arab country, especially the Gulf states.”

"For God's sake, have mercy on Lebanon and the Lebanese people and stop the hateful sectarian and political rhetoric."

Lebanese officials including President Michel Aoun, a Hezbollah ally, and Mikati have called for dialogue with Saudi Arabia to resolve the diplomatic crisis, which has piled onto an economic meltdown now in its third year.

Saudi Arabia has called on Lebanon to end "terrorist Hebzollah's" influence over the state. — Agencies