0:00
0:00
Lebanon Inaugurates New Government with Hezbollah's Impact on Important Ministries
Lebanon's newly formed government, headed by Nawaf Salam, features significant roles occupied by representatives of Hezbollah and Amal, alongside increasing global pressure on Israel.
On Saturday, Lebanese President Michel Aoun officially endorsed the new government led by Nawaf Salam, a month after Salam's appointment.
The cabinet comprises 24 ministers, with five associated with Hezbollah and Amal.
Among the notable appointments, Yassine Jaber, a close associate of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, has taken on the role of Minister of Finance.
Hezbollah and Amal have also obtained the Ministries of Health (held by Rakan Nassereddine from Hezbollah), Labor (Mohammad Khider from Hezbollah), Environment (Tamara Zain from Amal), and Administrative Development (Fadi Maki from Amal).
In his inauguration speech, Salam highlighted that differences among government members would not impede their efforts, emphasizing a focus on collaborative work rather than petty disputes.
He reiterated the government's dedication to upholding UN Security Council Resolution 1701, indicating that Lebanon would pursue the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from its territory and that reconstructing the nation is not merely a promise, but a responsibility.
Salam, who previously held the position of President of the International Court of Justice, has a track record of criticism against Israel, voting against it 210 times during his judgeship, accusing it of terrorism and apartheid while refraining from condemning human rights abuses in nations like Iran and Syria.
The establishment of the new government arrives less than two weeks before the Israeli military is obligated to finish its withdrawal from southern Lebanon by February 18, amidst increasing international pressure on Israel regarding the situation.
The cabinet comprises 24 ministers, with five associated with Hezbollah and Amal.
Among the notable appointments, Yassine Jaber, a close associate of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, has taken on the role of Minister of Finance.
Hezbollah and Amal have also obtained the Ministries of Health (held by Rakan Nassereddine from Hezbollah), Labor (Mohammad Khider from Hezbollah), Environment (Tamara Zain from Amal), and Administrative Development (Fadi Maki from Amal).
In his inauguration speech, Salam highlighted that differences among government members would not impede their efforts, emphasizing a focus on collaborative work rather than petty disputes.
He reiterated the government's dedication to upholding UN Security Council Resolution 1701, indicating that Lebanon would pursue the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from its territory and that reconstructing the nation is not merely a promise, but a responsibility.
Salam, who previously held the position of President of the International Court of Justice, has a track record of criticism against Israel, voting against it 210 times during his judgeship, accusing it of terrorism and apartheid while refraining from condemning human rights abuses in nations like Iran and Syria.
The establishment of the new government arrives less than two weeks before the Israeli military is obligated to finish its withdrawal from southern Lebanon by February 18, amidst increasing international pressure on Israel regarding the situation.