Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam formed a new cabinet made up of specialized and clean-handed ministers, ending past dominance by Hezbollah and its allies, with the mission of introducing needed reforms.

BEIRUT -- Lebanon’s new prime minister on Saturday formed the country’s first full-fledged government since 2022. President Joseph Aoun announced in a statement that he had accepted the resignation of the former caretaker government and signed a decree with new Prime Minister Nawaf Salam forming the new government.

In this photo released by the Lebanese Presidency Press Office, Lebanese president Joseph Aoun, center, meets with Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam, right, and parliament speaker Nabih Berri, left, in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025. (Lebanese Presidency … more >

President Joseph Aoun has accepted the resignation of the former caretaker government and signed a decree with the new prime minister to form the new government. View on euronews

Lebanon formed a new government on Saturday, following unusually direct U.S. intervention in the process and in a step intended to bring the country closer to accessing reconstruction funds following a devastating war between Israel and Hezbollah.

Speaking to reporters at the presidential palace, new Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the 24-member Cabinet would prioritize financial reforms, reconstruction and the implementation of a United Nations resolution seen as a cornerstone to stability on the Lebanese border with Israel.

Lebanon's premier named a new government Saturday, the presidency announced, with the weakening of long-dominant Hezbollah following a war with Israel bringing to a close more than two years of caretaker authorities.