Hezbollah and Amal Join Forces: A Unified Commitment to the Salam Government

As Lebanon approaches the end of its 60-day ceasefire agreement with Israel, political dynamics are shifting rapidly. Judge Nawaf Salam has been tasked with forming a new cabinet, and discussions with various parliamentary blocs are intensifying to resolve existing tensions. A significant sticking point is the Lebanese Forces’ insistence on controlling the ministries of foreign affairs and energy.

Recently, Samir Geagea, the leader of the Lebanese Forces, dispatched MP Melhem Riachi to meet with Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam. The purpose of this meeting was to gain insights into the forthcoming cabinet lineup. Salam conveyed his commitment to strengthening ties with Nabih Berri, the Speaker of Parliament, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing national interests.

Meanwhile, President Joseph Aoun has made it clear that he does not seek any portfolio for himself or his team. However, he insists on having the authority to veto names proposed for key ministries, including foreign affairs, defense, and interior. This power struggle highlights the complexities of Lebanese politics as Salam engages in discussions with potential candidates for ministerial roles.

Salam is aiming to establish a “technocratic-political” cabinet, which means he intends to include representatives from various political factions. However, there are specific conditions for these appointments:

• Non-affiliation with senior positions: Appointees should not hold high-ranking positions within their factions.
• Pledge against running: They must sign a commitment not to participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

One of the contentious issues is the allocation of the Interior Ministry, traditionally allocated to Sunni representatives. This has led to disagreements among Sunni figures, particularly since the minister will oversee the parliamentary elections set for May 2026.

Although Salam has not made any commitments regarding Shiite appointments outside the Hezbollah-Amal coalition, he has not engaged with the so-called “Shiite opposition,” who see this as an opportunity to gain influence in the government. Recent discussions between Salam and leaders from Hezbollah and the Amal Movement indicate a willingness to collaborate, despite previous objections to Salam’s nomination.

Salam’s discussions included meetings with key figures such as Mohammad Raad, head of the Loyalty to the Resistance bloc; Hussein Khalil, political advisor to Hezbollah’s Secretary-General; and MP Ali Hassan Khalil from the Amal Movement. During these meetings, Salam elaborated on the Lebanese political landscape, tracing its evolution from the French occupation to the Taif Agreement that concluded the civil war.

Despite expressing concerns over the nomination process, Hezbollah and Amal have signaled their readiness to cooperate with Salam to safeguard Lebanon’s interests during this critical juncture. They are seeking significant ministries beyond Finance, including Public Works or Health, reinforcing their intent to work collaboratively.

It remains uncertain whether Hezbollah and Amal will propose candidates for the five ministerial positions or if Salam will suggest names for their approval. Their primary focus is on establishing governance mechanisms and addressing pressing issues in the upcoming phase.

Since the implementation of the Taif Agreement, Lebanese governments have consistently emphasized the right to resist and reclaim occupied territories in their ministerial statements. Consequently, Hezbollah and Amal are prioritizing the inclusion of language that affirms the legitimacy of resistance in the current ministerial statement.

In response to the anti-Hezbollah camp’s interpretations of UN Resolution 1701, the duo is advocating for a clear government commitment from President Joseph Aoun. This commitment would involve initiating a comprehensive national dialogue regarding the Resistance movement’s armament, aligned with a broader national defense strategy.

As the political landscape evolves, Lebanon faces critical decisions that will shape its governance and national discourse. The ongoing negotiations highlight the delicate balance of power among various factions and the importance of collaboration in navigating the complexities of Lebanese politics.