The Lebanese Parliament has approved the new government led by Nawaf Salam with 95 votes in favor. The U.S. State Department acknowledged the government’s potential for uniting Lebanon and pledged support for economic reforms. Salam’s prior actions against Israel and the tensions with Hezbollah indicate ongoing challenges for the new administration.
On Wednesday, the Lebanese Parliament voted to express confidence in the nation’s newly formed government, led by Nawaf Salam. Out of 128 parliamentarians, 95 cast their votes in favor of the administration, which had been designated in mid-January. Notably, despite Salam’s assertion that only Lebanon’s armed forces should defend the nation, the Hezbollah bloc in Parliament supported his cabinet appointments, even though they did not back his prime ministership, as reported by the Associated Press.
Tammy Bruce, the spokeswoman for the U.S. State Department, offered congratulations to both Salam and Joseph Aoun, the Lebanese president. She remarked, “For too long, the Lebanese people were denied a governing body that could unite the country and rebuild Lebanese state institutions.” Bruce confirmed America’s commitment to supporting Lebanon’s new government as it pursues necessary economic reforms and stated, “we will continue our support for the Lebanese Armed Forces as it implements the cessation of hostilities.”
Salam’s history as Lebanon’s ambassador to the United Nations reveals a pattern of voting against Israel, having condemned the country 210 times over an eleven-year span. He has publicly accused the “supreme Zionist leadership” of engaging in “ethnic cleansing” through tactics like terrorism and organized massacres, and has frequently labeled Israel an “apartheid” state. A ceasefire agreement was established between Israel and Hezbollah on November 27, but Hezbollah has violated the terms repeatedly since.
The Lebanese Parliament has expressed confidence in Nawaf Salam’s new government, with significant support noted even from Hezbollah despite their prior opposition to his leadership. The U.S. State Department has voiced its support for the new administration and emphasized collaboration on economic reforms. Salam’s controversial history regarding Israel raises questions about future relations as tensions persist, especially concerning Hezbollah’s ceasefire violations.
Original Source: www.clevelandjewishnews.com
