Saad Hariri: Hezbollah Group is the Major Obstacle to Forming a New Government in Lebanon

Saad Hariri, the elected Prime Minister of Lebanon, on Tuesday, November 13, identified the Iran-backed Hezbollah group as a "major obstacle" to the formation of a new government, adding that if the group does not retreat from its positions, there will be no solution to this deadlock. Hezbollah demands that one of the six Sunni members of the Lebanese parliament, who are allies of the group, be appointed as a minister in the new cabinet. In contrast, Saad Hariri is unwilling to cede one of the ministerial positions allocated to his predominantly Sunni party to Hezbollah's allies. On Tuesday, about six months after the parliamentary elections and the start of complex negotiations to form a new government, he stated in a televised press conference: "The truth is that the process of forming a government is facing a major obstacle. The responsibility for the consequences of this situation for the country lies with Hezbollah." Mr. Hariri added that if the appointment of a minister to one of Hezbollah's Sunni allies is so important, the group should concede one of its cabinet posts to him. Three ministerial positions in the new Lebanese government are to be allocated to Hezbollah. Before implementing financial reforms, which the International Monetary Fund deems vital for improving Lebanon's foreign debt situation, the new government must be formed. The implementation of these reforms is also a crucial condition for the disbursement of approximately $11 billion in foreign aid to Lebanon, which is currently blocked. Lebanon ranks third globally in terms of public debt relative to the size of its economy and, in addition to halting economic growth, according to the IMF, the country's financial system is extremely vulnerable. Saad Hariri stated: "The economic situation in the country is truly shameful." According to agreements and political traditions in Lebanon, the cabinet must reflect the results of political party votes in parliamentary elections and the country's religious diversity. As a result, political actors always compete fiercely for control over a larger number of important cabinet positions. Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, reiterated on Saturday that one of the Sunni representatives allied with the group must be a member of the national unity cabinet. He also reminded that if necessary, Hezbollah is ready to restart the negotiations regarding the formation of the government from the beginning. However, Saad Hariri emphasized that if Hezbollah does not retreat from this demand, there will be no way to resolve the current deadlock. He added: "The formation of a new government is a national, security, and social necessity. It is my duty and that of Michel Aoun (the President). I have done everything I could, and everyone must take responsibility." He reiterated that the plan for forming the government is ready to be implemented and is only conditional on Hezbollah's retreat.