Lebanon's New Prime Minister-Designate Nawaf Salam Extends Olive Branch to Hezbollah
January 15, 2025
11:56 AM
Reading time: 3 minutes

Lebanon’s Prime Minister-designate, Nawaf Salam, made a public gesture of unity on Tuesday, expressing his readiness to engage all factions in the country, including the powerful Iran-backed Hezbollah terror group, following his nomination to form the next government.
Salam, who currently serves as the presiding judge at the International Court of Justice, was formally designated by President Joseph Aoun after securing the support of a majority of lawmakers. His nomination marks a significant shift in Lebanon's political landscape, largely due to the consequences of Hezbollah's heavy losses in last year’s war with Israel and the recent changes in regional alliances, particularly with Syria.
Salam’s call for a new chapter in Lebanon emphasized a focus on justice, security, progress, and opportunities. He expressed a strong commitment to rebuilding the country following the devastating war between Israel and Hezbollah. Salam's speech underscored the necessity of implementing U.N. Resolution 1701, which mandates Israel's withdrawal from disputed territories, as a cornerstone for Lebanon’s reconstruction.
Despite this hopeful rhetoric, Hezbollah and its ally, the Shi'ite Amal Movement, are reportedly displeased with Salam's nomination. Both factions hold all of Lebanon’s parliamentary seats reserved for Shi’ite Muslims and have signaled that they do not plan to join Salam's government. Their opposition could deepen Lebanon’s existing sectarian divisions unless Salam can persuade them to reconsider.
An Unexpected Shift in Political Support
Salam's endorsement by 84 out of Lebanon's 128 lawmakers, including Christians, Druze, and Sunni Muslims, is a remarkable achievement. This bipartisan backing suggests a possible shift away from Hezbollah's influence. However, the tension remains palpable, as Hezbollah has historically held significant sway over such appointments, using its considerable military power to exert control over the country’s political decisions.
Salam made it clear that his priority is unity. “Both my hands are extended to everyone,” he declared, signaling that he does not intend to exclude any political faction, even Hezbollah. His openness to dialogue contrasts with the more exclusive tactics of his predecessors, setting the stage for a potentially transformative period in Lebanon's political climate.
Among Salam’s priorities are addressing the 2020 Beirut port explosion, which killed at least 220 people, and the ongoing financial crisis that has led to the freezing of millions in depositors' savings. His stance on corruption and accountability has resonated with the Lebanese public, who have grown increasingly frustrated with the political elite’s failure to address these critical issues.
Despite the political challenges that lie ahead, Salam remains optimistic about Lebanon’s future. He emphasized that the country can no longer afford to waste opportunities, acknowledging that only a collective effort can move Lebanon forward from the brink of collapse.