Lebanon’s New President Taps International Court Head as Prime Minister, Sidelining Hezbollah

President Aoun’s nomination of Nawaf Salam marks a significant shift in the political landscape, potentially reducing the terrorist group’s influence.

Judge Nawaf Salam, president of the International Court of Justice, presides over the Court, in a file photo taken in 2024. Johanna Geron/Reuters

Newly elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has designated Nawaf Salam, the current president of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as the country’s prime minister.

The decision was announced on Jan. 13, just days after Aoun’s own election to the presidency, and represents a major blow to the Iran-backed Hezbollah.