The Lebanese Parliament has voted 95 to 33 in favor of the new government led by Nawaf Salam. U.S. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce praised the appointment and promised support for economic reforms. Salam, a former UN ambassador, has a controversial record on Israeli relations and is now challenged by regional tensions following Hezbollah’s ceasefire violations.
The Lebanese Parliament has demonstrated confidence in the new government led by Nawaf Salam, with 95 out of 128 parliamentarians voting in favor of the administration. Salam, designated in mid-January, emphasized that only Lebanon’s armed forces should defend the nation. Despite Hezbollah’s opposition to Salam’s prime ministership, the organization’s parliamentary bloc supported his cabinet appointments, as reported by the Associated Press.
Tammy Bruce, the spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, offered congratulations to Salam and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Bruce remarked, “For too long, the Lebanese people were denied a governing body that could unite the country and rebuild Lebanese state institutions.” She further emphasized America’s commitment to partnering with Lebanon’s new government as it implements crucial economic reforms and continues support for the Lebanese Armed Forces in maintaining peace.
During his tenure as Lebanon’s ambassador to the United Nations, Nawaf Salam voted against Israel on 210 occasions in an 11-year span. He has made severe accusations against Israel, stating that the “supreme Zionist leadership” engages in policies of “ethnic cleansing” through “terrorism and organized massacres,” labeling the nation as an “apartheid” state on multiple occasions.
A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah was established on November 27; however, it has been repeatedly violated by Hezbollah. Salam’s government now faces the challenge of navigating these regional tensions while working to fulfill the expectations placed upon it by both Lebanese citizens and international allies.
The Lebanese Parliament has expressed considerable support for the newly appointed government under Nawaf Salam, indicating a pivotal shift in governance. While Salam faces the daunting task of uniting the country amidst historical tensions, international support, particularly from the United States, stands ready to assist in essential reforms. The ongoing conflicts with Israel and the actions of Hezbollah further complicate the political landscape in Lebanon, demanding careful management from the new administration.
Original Source: www.clevelandjewishnews.com
