Lebanon’s Salam Vows Accountability, State Monopoly on War Decisions

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam laid out his government’s governing principles in a televised address on Sunday, stressing that the rule of law cannot be built on slogans and that no one will be shielded from accountability. He said justice would not be sacrificed for political settlements and pledged to prosecute officials found responsible for past abuses or corruption. Salam added that Beirut seeks to assert full sovereignty over all Lebanese territory and end what he described as the Israeli occupation. He underscored that any decision on war or peace would rest exclusively with the state, an implicit rebuke of non-state armed groups that have traditionally wielded influence along the southern border. The remarks mark the clearest outline yet of the premier’s agenda since taking office earlier this year, signaling a tougher stance on governance and security at a time when Lebanon remains mired in economic crisis and regional tensions.