Lebanon’s New Government Wins Confidence Vote Amid Heated Debate Over Hezbollah’s Weapons

A New Government Takes Shape Following Devastating War

Lebanon’s newly formed government, led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, secured a confidence vote in Parliament on Wednesday, marking a significant step toward stability in a country reeling from a devastating war between Israel and Hezbollah. The government, which was approved by 95 out of 128 lawmakers, represents a fragile political consensus in a deeply divided nation. Prime Minister Salam, a renowned jurist and former head of the International Court of Justice, was appointed last month to form a government following a brutal conflict that claimed over 4,000 lives and left widespread destruction in its wake.

The government’s formation comes at a critical juncture for Lebanon, which is grappling with the aftermath of the war, a severe economic crisis, and ongoing political tensions. The conflict, which ended with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire on November 27, 2024, has intensified calls for Hezbollah’s disarmament, even as the group continues to argue that its weapons are essential for defending Lebanon against Israeli aggression.

Hezbollah’s Role and the Controversy Over Its Weapons

The government’s confidence vote was bolstered by the support of Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc, despite the fact that the group did not initially back Salam’s candidacy for prime minister. Hezbollah’s parliamentary leader, Mohammad Raad, announced his bloc’s confidence in the Cabinet on Tuesday, signaling a pragmatic stance from the group. However, the government’s ministerial statement struck a contentious tone by asserting that only Lebanon’s armed forces should defend the country in the event of war. Unlike previous statements, it omitted the phrase “armed resistance,” which had long been interpreted as legitimizing Hezbollah’s possession of weapons outside state control.

Hezbollah has maintained its weapons for decades, framing them as a necessary deterrent against Israel. However, the latest war reignited debates over the group’s disarmament, with critics arguing that its military activities exacerbate regional tensions and undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty. Despite these criticisms, Hezbollah remains a dominant political and military force in Lebanon, with significant influence over the government and Parliament.

Political Alignments and Divisions in Parliament

The confidence vote revealed the complex web of political alliances and rivalries that shape Lebanon’s fractured political landscape. In addition to Hezbollah, the government received support from the Amal Movement, led by parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri, a key ally of Hezbollah who played a pivotal role in brokering the ceasefire. The Marada Movement, a Christian political party aligned with Hezbollah, and the Syrian Social Nationalist Party, a secular nationalist group, also backed the government.

On the other hand, opposition came from the “Strong Lebanon” bloc, led by Gebran Bassil of the Free Patriotic Movement, which had previously been aligned with Hezbollah. Twelve legislators withheld support, while four abstained, criticizing the ministerial statement for being vague and lacking a clear plan to address the nation’s pressing challenges.

Key Challenges Facing the New Government

The government’s confidence vote has handed Prime Minister Salam a mandate to tackle a daunting array of issues, ranging from reconstruction efforts to economic reform. Legislators have urged the government to address Israel’s continued ceasefire violations and demand its full withdrawal from Lebanese territory. Although Israeli troops pulled out under the terms of the ceasefire, they remain in five strategic outposts along the border and have continued to conduct airstrikes, claiming to target Hezbollah fighters and weapons caches.

In addition to security concerns, the government must confront Lebanon’s severe economic and banking crisis, which has left the nation on the brink of collapse. Lawmakers have called for long-overdue judicial and banking reforms to restore confidence in the financial system and pave the way for recovery. Reconstruction efforts are also a top priority, as large swathes of the country were left in ruins by the war.

A Fragile Path Forward for Lebanon

The confidence vote in Lebanon’s new government represents a tentative step toward stability, but the road ahead remains fraught with challenges. The government’s ability to navigate the treacherous political terrain, address the nation’s economic woes, and reconcile the competing demands of its diverse coalition will determine whether Lebanon can emerge from this period of crisis with a renewed sense of purpose and unity. For now, the support of key political blocs, including Hezbollah, offers Prime Minister Salam a fragile mandate to lead the country forward.

However, the lingering divisions over Hezbollah’s weapons and the lack of a clear plan to address Lebanon’s deep-seated problems underscore the fragility of this political accord. As the government works to rebuild and recover, it will need to balance the interests of its diverse coalition while confronting the formidable challenges that lie ahead. Only time will tell whether this newfound political unity can translate into meaningful progress for the Lebanese people.