New Lebanese government 'set to be announced this week'

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A new government in Lebanon is set to be announced this week, a significant step in strengthening the country's position before the expiry of the ceasefire deal that ended a year-long war with Israel, political sources in Beirut told The National on Monday.

Former International Court of Justice president Nawaf Salam, the prime minister-designate, was nominated by a parliamentary majority three weeks ago to form a new government after the election of President Joseph Aoun, ending a two-year power vacuum.

Mr Salam is seen as a newcomer and a break away from the traditional political system. The work of Change MPs – who emerged after the October 2019 protests against Lebanon's ruling elite – was instrumental in his appointment.

“The formation of a government is likely to happen this week,” said a political source in Beirut, adding that Mr Salam and President Aoun “feel that delays in forming the government are harming the new presidential mandate”.

“The President needs to finalise the government with enough time for action before the extended deadline for the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel that is due to expire on February 18,” affirmed the source.

Mr Salam has the responsibility of forming his cabinet at a time of major change in Lebanon with the declining influence of Hezbollah and its main backer, Iran, following the losses they endured during the Lebanese group's war with Israel.

Electing a president and forming a new government were key conditions in the deal that led to the ceasefire agreement with Israel, as US, French and other mediators argued that a strong executive authority in Lebanon would limit Hezbollah’s influence on domestic politics.

The government's main task would be to counter any Israeli request to extend the initial truce deal beyond February 18, and ensure Israeli troops withdraw from southern villages. Lebanese politicians told The National last week that the country fears that Israel is planning to occupy five hilltop areas in the south beyond the deadline.

Mr Salam reiterated last week that his government would not be comprised of MPs or figures from political parties often accused of corruption.

A big obstacle was the Finance Ministry. The Speaker of the Parliament and leader of Amal Movement, Nabih Berri, insisted that the ministry has been historically reserved for the Shiite community – whose parliamentary representation comes from Hezbollah and Amal. He said that his party's choice is Yassine Jaber, a former minister of economy and financial expert.

“The Finance Ministry portfolio is almost settled in favour of former minister Yassin Jaber, who is considered close to Nabih Berri,” said one of the sources in Beirut on Monday.

“Nawaf Salam does not seem to object to the nomination of Yassin Jaber, given his strong international ties. But opponents of the Shiite duo are concerned about a potential US veto on any Hezbollah-affiliated ministers, which could hinder future support for the government,” the source said.

The election of Mr Aoun on January 9, following a two-year presidential vacuum, was influenced by pressure from the US, France and Saudi Arabia. Lebanon urgently requires financial support to tackle an economic crisis that began in 2019, made worse by the destruction caused by a war between Hezbollah and Israel, which inflicted billions of dollars in damage.

Last week, caretaker Economy Minister Amin Salam told The National that Lebanon must regain the trust of the international community to unlock financial aid for reconstruction.