Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has designated Nawaf Salam, head of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as the new prime minister after securing the backing of 84 out of 128 lawmakers. Salam’s appointment marks a significant shift in Lebanon’s sectarian political dynamics, following Hezbollah’s diminished influence after its 2023 conflict with Israel and the fall of its ally, Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. Salam, currently abroad, is expected to form a government aimed at addressing Lebanon’s ongoing crises.

While Salam has garnered support from Christian, Druze factions, and independent lawmakers, Hezbollah and its Amal Movement allies abstained from nominating a candidate, signaling potential sectarian divisions. Senior Hezbollah figures criticized the move, describing it as exclusionary and harmful to national unity. The group’s opposition to Salam raises concerns about their participation in the new cabinet, posing challenges to Lebanon’s sectarian power-sharing system.

The new government faces enormous challenges, including rebuilding infrastructure destroyed during the Hezbollah-Israel war, implementing economic reforms, and restoring Lebanon’s financial stability. Salam’s international profile and support from Arab and Western nations offer hope for foreign assistance, as Aoun emphasized the urgency of swift government formation to capitalize on international opportunities.