BEIRUT, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Hezbollah's deputy leader Sheikh Naim Qassem denied Sunday Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's allegations about Hezbollah controlling the government in Lebanon, local media reported.

"These allegations are not important. Hezbollah considers itself part of a national unity government in Lebanon," Qassem was quoted as saying by Elnashra, an online independent newspaper.

Netanyahu declared earlier in the day that Iran controls the Lebanese government via Hezbollah.

Moreover, the United States voiced its concerns over Hezbollah's participation in the new cabinet.

The United States expressed its deep concerns because this is the first time that Hezbollah controls the health ministry which has the country's largest budget.

Meanwhile, Qassem clarified that the health ministry will offer its services to all Lebanese without any discrimination.

The new health minister, Jamil Jabak, has said his priorities include improving government hospitals and bringing down drug prices.