Formation of a New Government in Lebanon; Hezbollah Excluded

Following continuous efforts by the United States and France to establish stability in Lebanon, a new government was formed in the country on Saturday, February 9. The U.S. Embassy in Beirut welcomed the formation of the new government and expressed hope that the country's governmental institutions would be rebuilt and necessary reforms implemented. The United Nations also welcomed the formation of the new government in Lebanon, expressing hope that this action would mark the beginning of a new and bright chapter in Lebanon. Nawaf Salam, the new Prime Minister of Lebanon, stated in a press conference at the presidential palace that the priority of his 24-member government is financial reforms, reconstruction, and implementing UN resolutions as the cornerstone for restoring stability to the southern borders with Israel. He emphasized that the new government also aims to restore trust among citizens and the government, between Lebanon and Arab countries, and between Lebanon and the international community. The announcement of the new government followed three weeks of negotiations among political factions in the country and a deadlock caused by Hezbollah's attempts to participate in the new government. The United States had firmly opposed the presence of Hezbollah, a group backed by the Islamic Republic of Iran, in the new Lebanese government in recent weeks. Morgan Ortagus, the U.S. Deputy Envoy for Middle East Affairs, stated on Friday, February 9, that the United States has set this 'red line' that Hezbollah should not be part of the new Lebanese government. This senior U.S. diplomat, after meeting with Joseph Aoun, the President of Lebanon, told reporters that he is not afraid of Hezbollah because it has been militarily defeated. He added, 'We have set clear red lines that they [Hezbollah] will not be able to intimidate the people of Lebanon, and this includes their non-participation in the government.' The Amal Movement, an ally of Hezbollah led by Nabih Berri, the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, was allowed to oversee four ministries, including the Ministry of Finance. Thus, Hezbollah and its allies failed to achieve a 'blocking third' in the government, which would have allowed them to prevent the realization of the two-thirds majority necessary for certain decisions. The Lebanese Forces party, which is a staunch opponent of Hezbollah and has had no share in the Lebanese government for the past five years, managed to select four ministers, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Energy. Lebanon has been grappling with one of the worst economic crises in its history in recent years, and Hezbollah's unilateral entry into the war with Israel has exacerbated the country's crises. Following the terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7 last year, Hezbollah unilaterally began its rocket and drone attacks on northern Israel. In response, Israel launched severe attacks against this group's positions in Lebanon and Syria, killing hundreds of members of this major proxy arm of the Islamic Republic in the region, including its leader and senior military commanders, such as Hassan Nasrallah, Foad Shukr, Ibrahim Aqil, and Hashem Safieddin. The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, brokered by the U.S. and France, came into effect on November 28. This agreement required the dismantling of Hezbollah's weapons and infrastructure, as well as the withdrawal of the group's Iran-backed militants from southern Lebanon, the deployment of Lebanese military units, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from this area within 60 days, meaning by January 28. Morgan Ortagus stated on Friday that by February 18, Lebanese army soldiers would be stationed in the southern regions of the country and that 'we are very committed to this definitive date.' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on January 25 that Lebanon has not yet fully implemented its commitments under the agreement, and the phased withdrawal process of Israeli army forces from southern Lebanon will continue 'in full coordination with the United States.' Hezbollah's rocket and drone attacks on Israel have displaced over 60,000 residents of northern Israel and resulted in the deaths of dozens of citizens of this country. Israeli officials have repeatedly emphasized that the country will exert all its efforts to ensure the security of its northern borders and the return of displaced civilians to their homes. Israel: The Islamic Republic has violated the ceasefire in Lebanon by assisting Hezbollah. The entry of the Syrian army into Lebanese territory and clashes with Hezbollah forces. Katz: If Hezbollah launches a drone, it will be destroyed. Israel: The Iranian government is sending financial aid to Hezbollah. Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon. Hezbollah handed over the 'Imad 4' missile underground facilities to the Lebanese army. Times: A Lebanese army commander revealed military secrets to Hezbollah. At least 15 killed in clashes between the Israeli army and protesters in southern Lebanon. Israel on the verge of ending the ceasefire: Residents of southern Lebanon should not return to the area.