Wed Feb 26 21:00:51 UTC 2025: ## Lebanon’s New Government Wins Confidence Vote, Ushering in Post-Hezbollah Era

**Beirut, Lebanon** – Lebanon’s newly formed government, led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, secured a confidence vote in parliament on Wednesday, winning the backing of 95 out of 128 lawmakers. The vote marks a significant shift in Lebanese politics, following Hezbollah’s weakened position after last year’s war with Israel.

Salam’s government presented a policy statement that notably omitted language previously used to legitimize Hezbollah’s armed role in the country. The Prime Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to a state holding exclusive authority over war and peace decisions, adhering to the constitution, and implementing long-overdue reforms. While Hezbollah initially voiced support for the government, this omission signals a potential move towards a post-Hezbollah era.

The new administration, comprised largely of political outsiders, faces the daunting task of addressing Lebanon’s crippling economic crisis. Salam pledged to prioritize negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure much-needed funds, remove Lebanon from the grey list, and address the concerns of depositors whose savings have been frozen since the 2019 financial collapse.

Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr reported from Beirut that the government’s success comes at a time of significant geopolitical shifts, including Hezbollah’s weakened standing and the closure of supply routes from Iran. The new government’s focus on economic recovery and reforms, coupled with the absence of explicit recognition of Hezbollah’s armed role, signifies a departure from the previous political landscape.

Beyond economic reforms, the government will also grapple with extensive reconstruction needs following the war and the broader challenges of a battered economy and financial sector. The formation of the new government followed unprecedented US intervention, aiming to facilitate access to reconstruction funds and advance the country’s path towards economic stability. While a draft funding agreement with the IMF was reached in 2022, its implementation hinged on reforms that the previous government failed to deliver. This new government’s success in securing the confidence vote offers a glimmer of hope for a potential breakthrough.

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