Lebanon’s newly formed government secured a decisive parliamentary confidence vote on Wednesday, backed by Hezbollah’s bloc despite contentious language challenging the group’s independent weapons arsenal. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s administration garnered 95 out of 128 votes, signaling fragile unity after a devastating Israel-Hezbollah war that killed over 4,000 people.
The government’s policy statement marked a strategic shift by asserting that only Lebanon’s armed forces may defend the nation during conflicts. This omission of prior references to “armed resistance” – code for Hezbollah’s military autonomy – sparked tensions even as the Iran-backed group’s lawmakers endorsed the cabinet.
“Lebanon retains the right to resist occupation through state forces alone,”declared Salam, emphasizing centralized defense authority.
Key political factions supporting the government include:
- Hezbollah and Amal Movement (27 Shiite-designated seats)
- Pro-Hezbollah Marada Movement and Syrian Social Nationalist Party
- Opposition Christian parties Lebanese Forces and Kataeb
Critics highlighted urgent challenges: Israel’s ongoing border violations, stalled reconstruction of war-torn regions, and a crippling economic crisis requiring banking reforms. While the U.S.-brokered November 2024 ceasefire halted active combat, Israeli troops remain stationed at five strategic border positions, conducting airstrikes targeting alleged Hezbollah weapons depots.
The vote exposed fractures, with Gebran Bassil’s Strong Lebanon bloc opposing the government and 16 lawmakers abstaining or rejecting the proposal. Dissenters criticized vague plans for addressing Lebanon’s $72 billion debt crisis and implementing UN-backed judiciary reforms.
Analysts suggest Hezbollah’s tactical support aims to maintain political influence while resisting pressure to disarm. As reconstruction begins, Salam’s team faces dual pressures: enforcing state sovereignty over security while navigating coalition politics with armed non-state actors.
