On this Saturday, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam formally unveiled Lebanon’s new government, appointing 24 ministers to his cabinet. Among them, five hold affiliations with the so-called “Shia duo”—Hezbollah and the Amal Movement.
Speaking from Baabda Palace, Salam emphasized that reform is the key to national recovery and pledged that his administration would work to rebuild trust between the state and its citizens. “This government will operate with cohesion, where diversity will serve as a strength rather than a cause for division. My goal is to establish a state founded on law and institutions, setting the groundwork for both reform and rescue. While no government can meet everyone’s expectations, we will govern in unity,” he stated.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and upholding the ceasefire agreement with Israel, insisting that Israeli forces must fully withdraw from every inch of Lebanese territory.
Lebanese officials confirmed that the newly appointed cabinet will convene for its first session on Tuesday at Baabda Palace, following the traditional group photograph.
The successful formation of Salam’s government came a day after US special envoy to West Asia, Morgan Ortagus, made a striking declaration. During a press conference, Ortagus asserted that Hezbollah would have no role in Lebanon’s governance and proclaimed that its “reign of terror” had ended. “The United States has drawn clear red lines, ensuring Hezbollah can no longer intimidate the Lebanese people, including through participation in the government,” she stated while standing alongside President Joseph Aoun.
Despite these remarks from Washington, Lebanon’s new cabinet maintains a balanced representation of Christian and Muslim sects, with five ministerial posts held by Hezbollah and Amal allies. According to local media, these positions are as follows: Ahmad Hajjar as Minister of Interior, Yassine Jaber as Minister of Finance, Rakan Nasereddine as Minister of Health, Mohammad Haidar as Minister of Labor, and Kamal Chehade as Minister of the Displaced.
Lebanese journalist Hosam Matar commented on social media that, despite external pressure, Hezbollah and Amal secured full participation in the government without altering a single nominee. He also noted that a dispute between the Shia parties and Salam over representation was ultimately resolved with the approval of the fifth minister.
The Lebanese presidency issued a statement affirming that the cabinet appointees are “nonpartisan” and were selected based on merit, expertise, and professional credentials.
With the new government officially in place, it marks the conclusion of the caretaker administration led by long-time Prime Minister Najib Mikati.
Lebanon had faced years of political deadlock following its 2022 general elections, delaying the appointment of a new president. The impasse was only broken late last year after a unilateral ceasefire agreement with Israel, under significant pressure from both the US and Gulf nations. Subsequently, Lebanon’s parliament elected former military commander Joseph Aoun as president, who in turn appointed Nawaf Salam, a former chief judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), to lead the government.
