Lebanese Parliament Confirms Support for Nawaf Salam’s New Government

The Lebanese Parliament has affirmed confidence in a new government led by Nawaf Salam, who emphasizes the need for armed forces to defend Lebanon. Although Hezbollah supported the cabinet, they did not endorse Salam as Prime Minister. U.S. State Department spokesman Tammy Bruce congratulated the new government and highlighted the urgency for economic reforms, while Salam’s past actions regarding Israel reflect a challenging diplomatic history.

On Wednesday, the Lebanese Parliament voted to express confidence in the newly formed government, with 95 out of 128 parliamentarians endorsing the administration led by Nawaf Salam, appointed in mid-January. Salam, who previously served as the president of the International Court of Justice, emphasized that the defense of Lebanon must solely be the responsibility of its armed forces. Despite Hezbollah’s support for Salam’s cabinet choices, the organization did not endorse his position as Prime Minister, according to reports from the Associated Press.

Tammy Bruce, the spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, extended her congratulations to both Nawaf Salam and Joseph Aoun, the President of Lebanon. She emphasized, “For too long, the Lebanese people were denied a governing body that could unite the country and rebuild Lebanese state institutions.” Bruce reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to collaborating with Lebanon’s new government as it initiates essential economic reforms while supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces in maintaining peace.

During his tenure as Lebanon’s ambassador to the United Nations, Nawaf Salam was noted for his vocal criticism of Israel, having condemned it 210 times over an eleven-year span. He has further accused the Israeli leadership of engaging in “ethnic cleansing” through acts of terrorism and organized massacres, often characterizing Israel as an “apartheid” state. Notably, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, established on November 27, has been breached multiple times by the terror organization.

In summary, the Lebanese Parliament’s confidence vote for Nawaf Salam’s government marks a significant political development, underscored by support from Hezbollah despite prior opposition to his prime ministership. The U.S. government has expressed its commitment to assist Lebanon in crucial reforms. Salam’s past condemnations of Israel raise questions about his stance while navigating complex regional relations.

Original Source: www.jewishpress.com