Lebanon’s new government, led by Nawaf Salam, received parliamentary confidence, with 95 votes in favor on Wednesday. U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce welcomed Salam’s appointment, highlighting the need for reforms. Salam has a history of condemning Israel, and tensions remain high with Hezbollah’s violations of ceasefire agreements.
On Wednesday, the Lebanese Parliament voted with overwhelming support for the new government led by Nawaf Salam, receiving approval from 95 out of 128 parliamentarians. Salam, a former president of the International Court of Justice, emphasized that only the Lebanese Armed Forces should be responsible for the nation’s defense, despite receiving backing for his cabinet appointments from the Hezbollah bloc in Parliament, which had previously not endorsed his role as prime minister.
Tammy Bruce, the spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, extended her congratulations to Mr. Salam and President Joseph Aoun. She stated that the Lebanese people had long been deprived of an unifying government capable of rebuilding Lebanon’s state institutions. “America is partnering with Lebanon’s new government as it enacts urgently needed economic reforms,” she affirmed, emphasizing ongoing U.S. support for the Lebanese Armed Forces to uphold the cessation of hostilities.
Nawaf Salam has a controversial diplomatic background, having cast votes to condemn Israel 210 times during his 11 years as Lebanon’s ambassador to the United Nations. He has frequently accused Israeli leadership of engaging in policies that amount to ethnic cleansing through terrorism. Salam has also labeled Israel as an “apartheid” state, reflecting his strong anti-Israel stance.
The context of Salam’s government is highlighted by the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, which reached a ceasefire agreement on November 27. However, this ceasefire has been compromised repeatedly by violations from Hezbollah, indicating continued instability in the region.
The recent parliamentary endorsement of Nawaf Salam’s government marks a significant moment in Lebanon’s political landscape, despite the complexities introduced by Hezbollah’s involvement and Salam’s controversial history. As the U.S. expresses support for necessary reforms, the path ahead remains fraught with challenges, particularly in the context of Lebanon’s ongoing defense and foreign relations issues.
Original Source: www.clevelandjewishnews.com
