Lebanon's newly designated Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has vowed to "rescue, reform, and rebuild" the country, which has been grappling with an economic and political crisis for years. Despite not receiving support from Hezbollah, Salam extended an olive branch to the group, signaling his intent to collaborate across Lebanon's fractured political landscape. In his inaugural address on Tuesday, Salam emphasized unity and inclusivity, stating, "My hands are extended to all to set off together on this mission." The former president of the International Court of Justice was backed by a majority of Lebanon's parliamentarians, a significant endorsement amid the country's ongoing challenges. Salam pledged to "extend the authority of the Lebanese state across all its territory," a veiled reference to the influence of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and other regions. He also committed to fully implementing UN Resolution 1701, which calls for the disarmament of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and ensures state control over all national territory. Referring to Lebanon's neighbor Israel, Salam declared his intent to "impose the complete withdrawal of the enemy from the last occupied inch of our land," reaffirming his stance on Lebanon's territorial sovereignty. Salam acknowledged the deep financial crisis that has gripped Lebanon since 2019, pledging to form a government capable of addressing the root causes of the collapse. "We will work towards building a modern and productive economy," he said, emphasizing his commitment to structural reforms and economic recovery. Lebanon has been struggling with hyperinflation, a depreciating currency, and widespread poverty, exacerbated by political dysfunction and corruption. Salam's designation has sparked cautious optimism, with many hoping his leadership will usher in a new era of stability and reform. Despite his designation, forming a new government remains a complex task in Lebanon's sectarian political system, which often delays cabinet formation due to intense political negotiations and power-sharing disputes. Historically, the process has taken weeks or even months, raising concerns about the speed of implementation of Salam's promises. Salam's appointment follows a tumultuous period for Lebanon, including a devastating 14-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that claimed 4,000 lives and injured over 16,000 people. The war ended with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that came into effect in November, bringing a fragile sense of calm to the region. — Agencies
