Lebanon’s parliament granted confidence to a new government led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, marking a fundamental shift in policy regarding arms and state sovereignty. The government received 95 votes of confidence and will now advance legislation and key appointments. Hezbollah’s reduced power post-conflict has changed the political landscape, with the new administration focusing on reforms and neutrality in foreign affairs.
Lebanon’s newly formed government received a vote of confidence from parliament, marking a significant policy shift. The ministerial statement abandoned the term “armed resistance” and emphasized the need for state control over arms. Following Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s discussions with MPs, parliament cast 95 votes in favor, 12 against, and four abstentions, enabling the administration to proceed with legislative and key governmental appointments.
The approved plan aims to reinforce state sovereignty using its military forces in recognized territories and mandates the army’s deployment to secure borders. Furthermore, it reiterated President Joseph Aoun’s pledge to monopolize weapon ownership and make decisions about war and peace.
This political development is viewed as a setback for Hezbollah, which has experienced significant losses during recent conflict with Israel, weakening its influence after over two years of stalemate. For the first time, the government is moving ahead without Hezbollah’s traditional support, allowing Prime Minister Salam’s administration to advance.
Hezbollah’s parliamentary faction offered support for the new government, expressing a desire to collaborate to enhance national stability and drive reforms. Mohammed Raad, Hezbollah’s bloc leader, affirmed their readiness to work together towards national interests ahead of the parliamentary session.
The formation of this government, mainly backed by U.S. interests, reflects Hezbollah’s diminishing power in Lebanese politics, which struggles with the dual pressures of local governance and external geopolitical influences. As the only group remaining armed since Lebanon’s civil war, Hezbollah’s political role now faces new challenges.
Additionally, the ministerial statement highlighted Lebanon’s intent to pursue a foreign policy aimed at neutrality in regional conflicts, explicitly stating that the country will not serve as a base for attacks against neighboring nations. This includes a commitment to reclaim territories occupied by Israel despite ongoing disputes regarding withdrawal agreements.
The vote of confidence in Lebanon’s new government signifies a pivotal shift towards centralized state authority over arms and foreign policy. The weakening of Hezbollah’s political influence opens the door for new governance structures, emphasizing state sovereignty and neutrality. Moving forward, the administration aims to overcome previous political deadlocks, confronting the longstanding challenges facing Lebanon’s internal and external policy objectives.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
