Lebanon’s newly formed cabinet, led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam (center-right), poses for a group photo along with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri (center-left) and cabinet members in Beirut [Getty]
The Lebanese cabinet held its first session on Tuesday morning at the Baabda Presidential Palace, presided over by President Joseph Aoun.
The session opened with a minute of silence in tribute to the victims of Israel’s latest war on Lebanon, which killed around 4,000 people.
During the meeting, the government formed a committee to draft the ministerial statement, a key document outlining the administration’s policies and priorities.
The drafting of the ministerial statement represents the first major challenge for Salam’s government.
The document must pass through the parliament for a vote of confidence within 30 days of its formation before the cabinet can exercise its powers fully.
However, it may face political hurdles, particularly over contentious issues such as the slogan: “Army, People, and Resistance” – which had been a longstanding issue in Lebanese politics by framing Hezbollah as part of the country’s national defence strategy.Â
A source from Baabda Palace told The New Arab’s Arabic language edition Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that there was an agreement between Aoun and Salam on the core principles that the government would commit to, which include Israel’s full withdrawal from Lebanon, expanding the army’s deployment along the country’s borders, and upholding international resolution, particularly UNSC Resolution 1701.
Tuesday’s discussions also addressed the issue of exclusive state control over weapons and the right to self-defence, as well as support for the Lebanese army and security forces in securing borders and preventing smuggling.Â
Shift away from Hezbollah
The cabinet is expected to stay until the parliamentary elections scheduled in May 2026, and will be expected to oversee municipal elections in spring this year, which have already been postponed twice.
The new government, consisting of 24 members, has already garnered much attention for its key differences from previous ones. Many have highlighted increased female representation, ministers with no political party affiliation, and only two ministers having served in previous governments.
The formation of the new government was officially announced on Saturday, where Salam pledged to “restore confidence between citizens and the state, between Lebanon and its Arab surroundings and between Lebanon and the international community”.
He further vowed to ensure the ceasefire agreement with Israel is adhered to and to see Israeli forces “withdraw from Lebanese territory until the last inch” and that “no cabinet will please everyone”.
The new government also marks a shift away from Hezbollah, with Aoun saying he will address the issue of those that “monopolise the carrying of weapons” in an apparent reference to the group.
The newly appointed Minister of Interior and Municipalities General Ahmad Hajjar instructed any congratulatory posters or billboards of him around the country to be removed.
He expressed gratitude for the support he has received so far but stressed that the focus should be on the recovery of Lebanon, NNA said.
The new government is up against a myriad of challenges, from a crippling economic crisis to the aftermath of Israel’s war on the country.
