US orders Lebanese consul-general in Detroit to leave over Hezbollah praise

Al Jazeera English reported that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered Ibrahim Charara, Lebanon’s consul general in Detroit, to depart the United States. The decision follows reports that Charara praised Hezbollah, a group the U.S. designates as a terrorist organization. The directive effectively deports the diplomat, ending his tenure in the city. The move underscores Washington’s willingness to act against foreign officials who express support for groups it deems hostile.

Why the action matters is that it signals a firm U.S. response to perceived endorsement of terrorism by foreign representatives.

Why it matters

The deportation shows the United States is prepared to remove foreign diplomats who publicly support groups it labels as terrorist, highlighting diplomatic tensions.

Key details

Location

Lebanon · Middle East

Reported by

Al Jazeera English

First reported

9 Nov 2026, 16:05 IST

Key names

Detroit, Lebanese, Hezbollah, US Secretary of State Marco

Section

World

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• Al Jazeera EnglishUS deports Lebanese consul-general in Detroit over Hezbollah praise 9 Nov, 16:05

Read the full story at Al Jazeera English ↗

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