Lebanon’s New Government Faces Hezbollah Opposition

War-Torn Lebanon Forms New Government Under Prime Minister Nawaf Salam Amid Hezbollah’s Opposition

Lebanon has ushered in a new phase of governance with the formation of its first full-fledged government since 2022, under the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

 

The announcement was made on Saturday by President Joseph Aoun, who accepted the resignation of the caretaker government and signed a decree appointing the new cabinet.

 

Salam, a seasoned diplomat and former president of the International Court of Justice, has pledged to restore public trust in state institutions, rebuild Lebanon’s standing in the Arab world and the international community, and enact much-needed reforms to address the country’s ongoing economic crisis. “Reform is the only path to true salvation,” he stated, underscoring his commitment to stabilizing Lebanon’s battered economy and judicial system.

 

The newly formed 24-member cabinet adheres to Lebanon’s sectarian power-sharing system, ensuring equal representation between Christian and Muslim sects. The government’s formation comes at a critical time, as Lebanon works to rebuild its war-ravaged southern region and maintain security along its borders following the recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

A U.S.-brokered ceasefire in November ended the hostilities, but tensions remain high. Salam has vowed to oversee the ceasefire’s implementation and push for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory.

 

Despite Hezbollah’s involvement in negotiations over the allocation of Shiite Muslim seats in the new government, the powerful political and military group has not accepted Salam’s appointment. The new administration signals a shift in Lebanon’s political landscape, with leadership that appears to distance itself from Hezbollah’s traditional allies.

 

Both Salam and President Aoun have voiced support for strengthening state authority, with Aoun notably advocating for the state’s monopoly on arms—a stance seen as an implicit reference to Hezbollah’s military presence.

 

The government’s formation follows the election of Aoun as president in early January, ending a prolonged vacancy in the country’s top office. With his election and Salam’s appointment, Lebanon’s leadership is seeking to repair strained ties with Gulf nations, particularly Saudi Arabia, which has expressed concern over Hezbollah’s growing influence in recent years.

 

As Lebanon navigates this new political chapter, the challenges ahead remain formidable. The country is still grappling with a prolonged financial crisis that has paralyzed its banking sector, left millions in poverty, and crippled public services. The extent to which the new government can implement reforms, maintain stability, and navigate Hezbollah’s opposition will shape Lebanon’s future in the months to come.

 

What will be the fate of Hezbollah?

 

If Lebanon enforces state monopoly over arms, Hezbollah’s military influence would be significantly curtailed. The group’s power stems largely from its armed capabilities, which have positioned it as both a political force and a military actor. Without weapons, Hezbollah would be forced to operate solely as a political party, diminishing its leverage over national security and regional affairs. However, its deep-rooted support base and external backing, particularly from Iran, may allow it to adapt rather than disappear. The real challenge lies in whether Lebanon’s leadership can implement and enforce such a policy without triggering internal unrest or external interventions.