Analysis from the relatively objective Lebanese newspaper The Daily Star estimates Lebanon’s new cabinet is entirely made up of pro-Syrian politicians. Hizbullah has control over the coalition that leads the cabinet, and thus sway over the cabinet’s orientation. The new Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, is one of the richest men in Lebanon.
But whether or not he serves Hizbullah’s interests is still in question. Though Israeli papers quickly snagged Mikati’s statements about “liberating land that remains under the occupation of the Israeli enemy,” The Daily Star reported that he “was quick to reiterate that his government will respect Lebanon’s international commitments, a reference to the international tribunal, suggesting that he will not cut its funding.”
What Mikati said about Israel is common Lebanese rhetoric. What he said about “international commitments” is something clear to Lebanese and a lightning rod when it comes to the entire point of Hizbullah resigning from the last cabinet and forcing a new one to be formed. Mikati might be signalling he is willing to work with Western countries, which could leave Lebanon open to some surprising new policies vis a vis Israel.
