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Home Posts A New Government in Lebanon—A Small Step Toward Reconstruction

A New Government in Lebanon—A Small Step Toward Reconstruction
Orna Mizrahi
11 February, 2025

The composition of the new government in Lebanon, led by Nawaf Salam, which held its first meeting on February 11, reflects a shift in the political balance of power in the country and indicates Hezbollah and its allies’ weakness in the face of domestic opposition.

From the composition of the government, which includes 24 ministers, it is evident that although the Shiite sect is represented by 5 ministers, as before (3 from Amal and 2 from Hezbollah), Hezbollah has lost its ability to create a “blocking third” and to prevent decisions that are not in line with the organization’s interests. This contrasts with its influential position in previous governments, which also stalled agreement on the composition of the government since the last elections (May 2022), thus rendering the government of the previous prime minister, Najib Mikati, transitional.

Prime Minister Salam and President Aoun declared that this new government is one “of reform and rescue,” composed of professional ministers and experts in their relevant fields, without partisan affiliation. Nevertheless, the formation of this government was preceded by discussions with party representatives from various sects, who were involved in choosing ministers from their respective factions, with an effort to represent all sects according to a partisan formula. The main dispute revolved around the position of the minister of finance, which the “Shiite duo” (Amal and Hezbollah) insisted should remain in the hands of the Shiites, while others, led by Samir Geagea, Hezbollah’s arch-enemy and leader of the Christian Lebanese Forces Party (which had been absent from previous governments), opposed this. The compromise reached was that the Ministry of Finance would remain with the Shiites (although it was promised that the minister would not interfere with the work of the other ministers), and the Lebanese Forces Party would be represented in two key ministries: Foreign Affairs and Energy. Salam and Aoun chose to include Hezbollah (against the American request to avoid this) and leave the Ministry of Finance with Amal to prevent a direct confrontation with Hezbollah and to ensure representation for the large Shiite sect.

The appointment of President Aoun and Prime Minister Salam, along with the selection of ministers who are experts in their fields (including 5 women), alongside Hezbollah’s weakened position, creates hope for Lebanon’s reconstruction, which suffers from economic collapse, corruption, dysfunction in the governmental system, and the destruction caused by the war. However, this is only the first step, and the new leadership will need to prove, in the short time leading up to the upcoming parliamentary elections in May 2026, that it has indeed embarked on a new path to gain the external aid it desperately seeks.

From Israel’s perspective, these developments serve its interests, primarily the weakening of Hezbollah’s and Iran’s influence in Lebanon and the establishment of a stable pro-Western system in the country. However, despite Israel’s desire to improve official relations with Lebanon, it seems that the time is not yet ripe, mainly due to Aoun’s internal difficulties and disagreements over the completion of the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon. In the immediate term, Israel should act, through the United States, to maintain the understandings with the new leadership in Lebanon regarding the continuation of the ceasefire, and refrain from intervening in its internal affairs. At the same time, it is crucial to maintain military and diplomatic pressure on Hezbollah to prevent its rehabilitation and counter its threats to the northern residents.

Topics: Lebanon and Hezbollah
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