News In Brief
| Beirut
Israeli diplomats seized; Lebanese Cabinet shaken
Lebanon's new unity government faced a political crisis Wednesday over Syria's capture of three Israeli diplomats on Lebanese soil. Israel said Lebanon and Syria would be held responsible for the diplomats' safe return.
It was unclear what the three were doing in the area. Syria said the diplomats tried to infiltrate Syrian-controlled territory in Lebanon. Israel said the men were seized Tuesday after losing their way while driving north of Beirut on a pleasure trip.
Meanwhile, the first Cabinet session of Lebanon's new government was boycotted by Nabih Berri, the Shiite Muslim militia leader, and Walid Jumblatt, head of the Druze community. They were in Damascus discussing their reservations about taking part in the proposed Cabinet.
Abdullah Rasi, appointed interior minister, also missed the meeting.
