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.
Salam, a Lebanese diplomat and jurist, secured the backing of 84 out of 128 lawmakers, demonstrating broad support across various political factions, according to Reuters.
The nomination underscores a significant shift in Lebanon’s power dynamics, particularly in light of Hezbollah’s diminished influence following a devastating war with Israel last year and the fall of its Syrian ally, Bashar al-Assad.
The Hezbollah terrorist organization is an Iran-backed Lebanese Shiite group that participates in Lebanese politics while maintaining a significant military presence.
Salam, who has been serving as the 27th president of the ICJ since Feb. 6, 2024, now finds himself at the intersection of complex international legal and political dynamics.
Aoun’s decision to nominate Salam garnered support from Christian and Druze factions, as well as prominent Sunni Muslim members of parliament. However, it has met with resistance from Hezbollah and its Shia ally, the Amal Movement, which did not nominate anyone for the position. This lack of participation raises concerns about potential sectarian rifts if these groups remain outside the cabinet.
Lebanon’s unique power-sharing system, designed to balance the country’s diverse religious communities, dictates that the president is always a Maronite Christian, the prime minister is always a Sunni Muslim, and the parliamentary speaker is always a Shiite Muslim.
Hezbollah lawmaker Mohammed Raad expressed disappointment with the decision, stating that the group’s opponents were working toward “fragmentation and exclusion,” according to Reuters.
He said that any government at odds with coexistence would lack legitimacy while assuring that Hezbollah would act calmly and wisely “out of concern for the national interest.”
The nomination of Salam comes at a critical juncture for Lebanon, which has been grappling with a severe economic crisis and the aftermath of recent conflicts.
Salam’s background as a diplomat and his current role at the ICJ could prove valuable in navigating Lebanon’s complex political landscape and international relations. His election as ICJ president in 2024 made him the first Lebanese judge to hold the position, adding to his credentials as a respected figure in international law.
The United States and Saudi Arabia have shown support for Aoun, signaling a potential revival of their influence in a country where Iran and Hezbollah have long held sway.
