Lebanon’s new government was formed on Saturday, with US intervention playing a key role in the process. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced the 24-member cabinet, which prioritizes financial reforms and reconstruction efforts.
Salam said the new government would focus on implementing a UN resolution aimed at stability along the Lebanese-Israel border. The announcement comes after weeks of negotiations between rival parties, with Washington pushing back against Hezbollah’s influence in the new government.
US Deputy Middle East Envoy Morgan Ortagus stated that the US considers Hezbollah’s involvement a “red line” and thanked Israel for its actions against the group. However, Amal, an ally of Hezbollah’s leader Nabih Berri, was allowed to choose four cabinet members, including finance minister Yassin Jaber.
The new government must now draft a policy statement and secure a vote of confidence from parliament before being fully empowered. The formation of the new government marks a significant shift in Lebanon’s power balance, following Israel’s attacks on Hezbollah and the ousting of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/08/middleeast/lebanon-prime-minister-new-government-intl/index.html