The Lebanese Parliament voted in favor of the new government led by Nawaf Salam, with 95 votes supporting him. The U.S. State Department congratulated the new leadership and pledged support for economic reforms. Nawaf Salam has a contentious history with regard to Israel, condemning its actions multiple times during his previous role at the UN. The ceasefire with Hezbollah remains tenuous, with frequent violations reported.
On Wednesday, the Lebanese Parliament showcased its confidence in the new government led by Nawaf Salam, receiving approval from 95 out of 128 parliamentarians. Nawaf Salam, previously the president of the International Court of Justice, emphasized that Lebanon’s armed forces should be the sole defenders of the nation. Despite not supporting his appointment as prime minister, the Hezbollah bloc in Parliament endorsed the new cabinet selections, as reported by the Associated Press.
Tammy Bruce, the spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, extended her congratulations to both Nawaf Salam and Joseph Aoun, the President of Lebanon. She stated, “For too long, the Lebanese people were denied a governing body that could unite the country and rebuild Lebanese state institutions.” Bruce affirmed that the United States would cooperate with Lebanon’s new government in achieving essential economic reforms and reiterated support for the Lebanese Armed Forces amid ongoing conflicts.
During his previous tenure as Lebanon’s ambassador to the United Nations, Mr. Salam condemned Israeli actions on 210 occasions over 11 years, describing Israel’s leadership as engaged in “ethnic cleansing” through “terrorism and organized massacres.” He has also labeled Israel an “apartheid” state on multiple instances, illustrating his critical perspective towards Israeli policies.
A ceasefire agreement was established between Israel and Hezbollah on November 27; however, reports indicate that Hezbollah has violated this agreement multiple times, contributing to ongoing tensions in the region.
The Lebanese Parliament has endorsed Nawaf Salam’s government, with significant backing despite Hezbollah’s mixed stance on his prime ministership. The United States has pledged support for the new administration, which seeks to unify and rebuild Lebanese state institutions. Salam’s controversial history regarding Israel adds complexity to his leadership as Lebanon navigates internal and external challenges, especially concerning ongoing conflicts with Hezbollah.
Original Source: www.jewishpress.com
