Hizbullah on Monday signed a document of understanding with a Salafi faction that drew sharp criticism from the highest Salafi authority in Lebanon Dai al-Islam al-Shahhal who termed it mere "media crackling in favor of Hizbullah and the Shiite community."

"The Salafi movement totally rejects this document … and who signed it has no right to claim belonging to the Salafi movement or representing it," the ageing Shahhal said.

"This document is … harmful to the Sunni community and would end up in vain, God willing," he added.

"Those who signed have no influence, and whoever wants to defuse tension should talk to forces that do exist," he stressed.

The document was signed by the head of Hizbullah's politburo Ibrahim Amin al-Sayyed and another Shahhal who goes by the name of Hassan Shahhal who heads the Belief and Justice Movement (BJM).

Sayyed was quick in declaring that Hizbullah's understanding with the BJM would be "doubted … by enemies of the nation."

He said signing the understanding is "a step in the right direction."

BJM leader Hassan Shahhal said the understanding is a "bold step to heal wounds."

Sheikh Hassan claimed the understanding with Hizbullah has been "coordinated" with Saad Hariri's Mustaqbal Movement.

There was no immediate comment from the movement on the step.

The document banned and denounced "any aggression by a Muslim faction on another Muslim faction."

It also called for confronting the "American agenda."

"In case either Hizbullah or the Salafis was subjected to injustice by domestic or external sides it should be backed (by the other side)," the document noted in what could be interpreted as an alliance between Hizbullah and the Belief and Justice Movement.