First cabinet of Saad Hariri

{{Short description|Lebanese government 2009–2011}} {{Infobox government cabinet| |cabinet_name=First Cabinet of Saad Hariri |political_party= |outgoing_formation= |incoming_formation= |advice_and_consent1= |advice_and_consent2= |budget= |legislature_term= |last_election= |election= |opposition_leader= |opposition_party= |opposition_cabinet= |legislature_status= |total_number=30 |cabinet_number= |former_members_number= |members_number=30 |state_head=[[Michel Sleiman]] |state_head_title=President |deputy_government_head=[[Elias Murr]] |government_head_history= |government_head=[[Saad Hariri]] |date_formed={{Start date|2009|11|09|df=y}} |date_dissolved={{Start date|2011|6|13|df=y}} |flag_border=true |flag=Flag of Lebanon.svg |jurisdiction=Lebanon |predecessor=[[Second Cabinet of Fouad Siniora]] |successor=[[Second Cabinet of Najib Mikati]] |image=Secretary Kerry Delivers Remarks With Former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri (Cropped on Hariri).jpg}}{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2021}}{{Unreliable sources|date=April 2025}} On 9 November 2009, after five months of negotiations following the [[2009 Lebanese general election|2009 parliamentary elections]], Lebanese prime minister [[Saad Hariri]] formed a [[national unity government]].<ref name="NOW">{{cite news|url=http://nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=125341|title=Lebanon's national-unity cabinet formed|date=9 November 2009|work=NOW Lebanon|access-date=10 November 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091122192633/http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=125341|archive-date=22 November 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Method== {{Politics of Lebanon}} Fifteen ministers were selected by Hariri's [[March 14 Alliance]], ten from the opposition [[March 8 Alliance]], and five allotted to President [[Michel Suleiman]].<ref name="BBC">{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8351651.stm|title=Lebanon finally forms government|date=9 November 2009|publisher=BBC|access-date=10 November 2009}}</ref> This formula denied March 14 a majority of cabinet posts, while also preventing the opposition from wielding veto power, which requires 11 posts. Thus, at least in theory, the ministers selected by President Suleiman—considered impartial—hold a swing vote on decision making.<ref name="WSJ">{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB125780463967939649|title=Leaders of Lebanon Unveil Deal |last=Raad|first=Nada|date=10 November 2009|work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=10 November 2009}}</ref>

==Composition== {| width="70%" border="0" align="center" cellpadding=1 cellspacing=1 style="margin:3px; border:3px solid;" |colspan=4 style="text-align:center; background:#efefef"|'''Lebanese government of November 2009''' |- |td width="25%" style="border-bottom:1px solid; background:#efefef;"|'''Portfolio'''||td width="20%" style="border-bottom:1px solid; background:#efefef;"|'''Minister'''||td width="35%" style="border-bottom:1px solid; background:#efefef;"|'''Political affiliation'''||td width="20%" style="border-bottom:1px solid; background:#efefef;"|'''Religious Sect''' |- |colspan=4 style="text-align:center; background:#efefef"|'''[[Michel Suleiman|President Michel Sleiman's Share]] (5/30)''' |- |Deputy Prime Minister <br /> and Defence ||[[Elias Murr]] || {{color box|White|border=silver}} [[Independent politician|Independent]] || [[Greek Orthodox Christianity in Lebanon|Greek Orthodox]] |- |Minister of Interior || [[Ziad Baroud]] || {{color box|White|border=silver}} [[Independent politician|Independent]] || [[Maronite Christianity in Lebanon|Maronite]] |- |State Minister ||[[Mona Ofeich]] || {{color box|White|border=silver}} [[Independent politician|Independent]] || [[Greek Orthodox Christianity in Lebanon|Greek Orthodox]] |- |State Minister || [[Adnan Hussein]] || {{color box|White|border=silver}} [[Independent politician|Independent]] || [[Shia Islam in Lebanon|Shia]] |- |State Minister||[[Adnan Kassar]] || {{color box|white|border=silver}} [[Independent politician|Independent]]|| [[Sunni Islam in Lebanon|Sunni]] |- |colspan=4 style="text-align:center; background:#efefef"|'''[[March 14 Alliance]] (15/30)''' |- |Prime Minister of Lebanon|Prime Minister||[[Saad Hariri]] || {{color box|{{party color|Future Movement}}|border=silver}} [[Future Movement]]|| [[Sunni Islam in Lebanon|Sunni]] |- |Finance Minister||[[Raya Al-Hassan]] || {{color box|{{party color|Future Movement}}|border=silver}} [[Future Movement]]|| [[Sunni Islam in Lebanon|Sunni]] |- |Education Minister||[[Hassan Mneimneh]] || {{color box|{{party color|Future Movement}}|border=silver}} [[Future Movement]]|| [[Sunni Islam in Lebanon|Sunni]] |- |Environment Minister||[[Mohammad Rahhal]] || {{color box|{{party color|Future Movement}}|border=silver}} [[Future Movement]]|| [[Sunni Islam in Lebanon|Sunni]] |- |Minister of Information ||[[Tarek Mitri]] || {{color box|{{party color|Future Movement}}|border=silver}} [[Future Movement]] || [[Greek Orthodox Christianity in Lebanon|Greek Orthodox]] |- |Minister of State || [[Michel Pharaon]] || {{color box|{{party color|Future Movement}}|border=silver}} [[Future Movement]] || [[Greek Catholic]] |- |Minister of State||[[Jean Ogassapian]] || {{color box|{{party color|Future Movement}}|border=silver}} [[Future Movement]]|| [[Armenian Catholic Church|Armenian Catholic]] |- |Minister of Public Works||[[Ghazi Aridi]] || {{color box|darkred|border=silver}} {{nowrap|[[Progressive Socialist Party]]}} || [[Druze]] |- |Minister of Displaced||[[Akram Chehayeb]] || {{color box|darkred|border=silver}} {{nowrap|[[Progressive Socialist Party]]}} || [[Druze]] |- |State Minister || [[Wael Abou Faour]] || {{color box|darkred|border=silver}} {{nowrap|[[Progressive Socialist Party]]}} || [[Druze]] |- |Minister of Justice ||[[Ibrahim Najjar]] || {{color box|Red|border=silver}} [[Lebanese Forces]] || [[Greek Orthodox Christianity in Lebanon|Greek Orthodox]] |- |Minister of Culture || [[Salim Wardeh|Salim Warde]] || {{color box|red|border=silver}} [[Lebanese Forces]] || [[Greek Catholic]] |- |Minister of Social Affairs || [[Salim Sayegh]] || {{color box|Green|border=silver}} [[Kataeb Party]] || [[Maronite]] |- |Minister of Economy and Trade ||[[Mohammad Safadi]] || {{color box|darkblue|border=silver}} [[Tripoli Bloc]]|| [[Sunni Islam in Lebanon|Sunni]] |- |Minister of Labor || [[Boutros Harb]] || {{color box|white|border=silver}} [[Independent politician|Independent]] || [[Maronite]] |- | colspan="5" style="background:#555;"| |-

|colspan=4 style="text-align:center; background:#efefef"|'''[[March 8 Alliance]] (10/30)''' |- |Minister of Energy and Water || [[Gebran Bassil]] || {{color box|orange|border=silver}} [[Free Patriotic Movement]] || [[Maronite Christianity in Lebanon|Maronite]] |- |Minister of Tourism || [[Fadi Abboud]] || {{color box|orange|border=silver}} [[Free Patriotic Movement]] || [[Maronite Christianity in Lebanon|Maronite]] |- |Minister of Telecommunications || [[Charbel Nahas]]|| {{color box|orange|border=silver}} [[Free Patriotic Movement]] || [[Greek Catholic]] |- |Minister of Foreign Affairs || [[Ali Shami]] || {{color box|green|border=silver}} [[Amal Movement]] || [[Shia Islam in Lebanon|Shia]] |- |Minister of Public Health || [[Mohammad Jawad Khalifeh]] || {{color box|green|border=silver}} [[Amal Movement]] || [[Shia Islam in Lebanon|Shia]] |- |Minister of Youth and Sports || [[Ali Abdullah]] || {{color box|green|border=silver}} [[Amal Movement]] || [[Shia Islam in Lebanon|Shia]] |- |Minister of Agriculture || [[Hussein Hajj Hassan]] || {{color box|yellow|border=silver}} [[Hezbollah]] || [[Shia Islam in Lebanon|Shia]] |- |State Minister for Administrative Development || [[Muhammad Fneish]] || {{color box|yellow|border=silver}} [[Hezbollah]] || [[Shia Islam in Lebanon|Shia]] |- |Minister of Industry ||[[Abraham Dedeyan]]|| {{color box|#c00|border=silver}} [[Armenian Revolutionary Federation in Lebanon|Tashnag]] || [[Armenian Apostolic Church|Armenian Orthodox]] |- |State Minister || [[Youssef Saadeh]] || {{color box|lightgreen|border=silver}} [[Marada Movement]] || [[Maronite Christianity in Lebanon|Maronite]] |- | colspan="3" |Source:<ref name="NOW"/><ref name=IFESrep>{{cite report|url=http://www.ifes.org/publication/38e87b372599cdff387c76fd022fb123/Lebanons_new_government.pdf|publisher=[[International Foundation for Electoral Systems]]|date=9 November 2009|title=Lebanon's New Government|access-date=10 November 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616213356/http://www.ifes.org/publication/38e87b372599cdff387c76fd022fb123/Lebanons_new_government.pdf|archive-date=16 June 2011}}</ref> |}

{{s-start}} {{s-bef|before=[[Lebanese government of July 2008]]}} {{s-ttl|title=[[Lebanese government|List of Lebanese governments]]}} {{s-aft|after=[[Lebanese government of June 2011]]}} {{s-end}}

==Vote of confidence== The cabinet and government program were voted for confidence on 10 December 2009. Confidence votes by 122 out of 128 MPs were given in favor of Hariri's cabinet and its program.{{Citation needed|date=June 2023}}

==PSP withdrawal== On 2 August 2009, [[Walid Jumblatt]] withdrew his PSP from the governing March 14 alliance. The Future Movement said that though everyone had the right to adopt their independent agendas the March 14 coalition never rejected other parties.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.allvoices.com/news/3821628-jumblatt-hashem|title=Future Movement responds to Jumblatt withdrawal|publisher=All Voices|date=2 August 2009|access-date=13 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004084516/http://www.allvoices.com/news/3821628-jumblatt-hashem|archive-date=4 October 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> [[Mountain Unity bloc]] MP [[Fadi al-Aawar]] told the told FPM's [[Orange TV]] that Jumblat's withdrawal would not automatically mean his admission to the March 8 alliance. He also suggested that the alliance with March 14 was "out of necessity" and then had to end to pave the way for a new period.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.allvoices.com/news/3821628/s/36602667-aawar-jumblatt-s-withdrawal-from-march-14-does-not-mean-he-joined-march-8|title=Aawar: Jumblatt's withdrawal from March 14 does not mean he joined March 8 - Future Movement responds to Jumblatt withdrawal|publisher=All Voices|date=3 August 2009|access-date=13 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004084547/http://www.allvoices.com/news/3821628/s/36602667-aawar-jumblatt-s-withdrawal-from-march-14-does-not-mean-he-joined-march-8|archive-date=4 October 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Jumblatt also [[Contents of the United States diplomatic cables leak (Region — Middle East)|told]] US [[charge d’affaires]] [[Michele Sison]] that both the [[Special Tribunal for Lebanon|Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL)]] was not strong enough to intimidate Syria and that "during that stage [of support for March 14], I was in a [state of] alienation which led me to use rhetoric that does not match [my] national heritage. I have now [restored] my real, natural and historical position."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=221371|title=Jumblatt confirms WikiLeaks report|newspaper=NOW Lebanon|date=7 December 2010|access-date=13 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327051945/http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=221371|archive-date=27 March 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was suggested that, as a result of statement during the weeks and months prior to his withdrawal, he had made the decision to withdraw based on growing dissent.

==2011 fall of government== On 12 January 2011, the government collapsed after energy minister [[Gebran Bassil]] announced that all ten opposition ministers had resigned following months of warnings by Hezbollah that it would not remain inactive should there be indictments against the group. The ''New York Times'' suggested the resignations came after the collapse of talks between Syria and Saudi Arabia to ease tensions in Lebanon. It also suggested that the opposition wanted 11 resignations before Hariri's meeting with US President [[Barack Obama]] so as to embarrass Hariri for not having a government. However, Suleiman-appointee, Minister of State Adnan Sayyed Hussein,<ref name="NYT collapse"/> resigned later. The resignations stemmed from PM Hariri's refusal to call an emergency cabinet session over discussion for withdrawing cooperation with the [[Special Tribunal for Lebanon]],<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite news| url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/14/stories/2011011467772400.htm| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110119164300/http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/14/stories/2011011467772400.htm| url-status=dead| archive-date=19 January 2011|location=Chennai, India| newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|title=Lebanese government falls|date=14 January 2011}}</ref> which was expected to indict [[Hezbollah]] members in [[Assassination of Rafic Hariri|the assassination]] of former Prime Minister [[Rafic Hariri]].<ref name="BBC collapse">{{cite news|title=Hezbollah and allies topple Lebanese unity government|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12170608|access-date=12 January 2011|publisher=BBC|date=12 January 2011}}</ref> Following the fall of the government reports of an "imminent release" of the indictments circulated,<ref name="almanarresponse"/> though constitutionally there would be no government to receive the indictment as this was first time in Lebanese history a government had fallen after the resignations of a third of the government.<ref>[http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=170036&language=en Al-ManarTV:: The Fate of The Indictment Under a Caretaker Government 13 January 2011]{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Preliminary indictments were issued 17 January as expected,<ref>[http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/01/2011115181151959973.html Hariri indictments set for Monday – Middle East – Al Jazeera]</ref>) though they were pending STL approval.<ref>[http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/01/2011117171436837590.html US welcomes Hariri indictment – Al Jazeera]</ref>

The government lasted barely 14-months and was considered{{Who|date=January 2011}} dysfunctional; its collapse precipitated a climate of political deadlock and tension similar to that which existed between [[2006–2008 Lebanese political protests|2006 and 2008]].<ref name="NYT collapse">{{cite news|last=Bakri|first=Nada|author-link=Nada Bakri |title=Resignations Deepen Crisis for Lebanon|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/13/world/middleeast/13lebanon.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1|access-date=12 January 2011|newspaper=The New York Times|date=12 January 2011}}</ref>

President Michel Suleiman is constitutionally responsible for the formation of a new government, though the prospects for reconciliation between the two polarised parliamentary blocs remains dim in the near-term.<ref name="BBC deadlock">{{cite news|last=Muir|first=Jim|title=Lebanon heads for lengthy political deadlock|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12177765|access-date=13 January 2011|publisher=BBC|date=12 January 2011}}</ref> He accepted the resignations saying: "In line with clause one of article 69 in the [[Constitution of Lebanon|Lebanese constitution]] on the circumstances under which the government is considered to have resigned...as the government has lost more than one third of its members...the cabinet [is requested to] act as a [[caretaker government]] until the formation of a new government."<ref name="almanarreactions2">"http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=169956&language=en{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Suleiman asked Hariri to maintain a caretaker role while charging him with forming a new government following an emergency return from a summit in the United States and a stopover in France and Turkey. He said that "There is no alternative for all of us but dialogue, and no side in Lebanon will be able to eliminate the other," further adding that he would work with his allies to form a government in line with "national unity" objectives.<ref name=autogenerated4>[http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=170197&language=en Al-ManarTV: Hariri Vows to Find Way Out of Lebanon Crisis 14 January 2011]{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

===Reactions===

====Domestic politics==== Hariri vowed to find a way out of the crisis saying his allies and he would take part in "consultations" to a name a new leader.<ref name=autogenerated4/>

[[Nabih Berri]], the Lebanese parliamentary speaker and a member of the March 8 alliance, said Suleiman would formally launch talks to create a new government on 16 January. However, March 8 said it would no longer be involved in an Hariri government. [[Mohammad Raad]], an Hezbollah MP, said his party would nominate a candidate for prime minister who has "a history of resistance."<ref>[http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=170177&language=en Al-ManarTV:: Hariri Returns to Beirut; Opposition Says Will Not Re-Appoint Him 14/01/2011]{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Though, March 14 said it would not accept anyone other than Hariri. One of his bloc's MP's, [[Boutros Harb]], said "I do not see a government in the country without Saad Hariri."<ref name="haririgovtfall"/> and despite March 14 saying it was willing to compropose that "there’s no way to compromise on the issue of the court and justice." March 8's Health Minister Mohamad Jawad Khalifeh said: "We don’t want any escalation. We are committed to the Constitution. We don’t know what commitment the others are talking about."<ref name="NYT collapse"/>

Walid Jumblatt, the former March 14 member and head of the PSP, traveled to Syria to discuss the crisis with al-Assad amid possibilities that he could be a kingmaker in forming a new government.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130124164311/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iW5MCAhxfKFwbs9bO_iLvbhEXqxQ?docId=CNG.796c17ef3ccdab0457c07cc0ffc43c61.81 AFP: Lebanon's Jumblatt in Syria for crisis talks]</ref> His [[Democratic Gathering bloc]] was scheduled to meet on 16 January to discuss its stance over the parliamentary consultations.<ref>[http://www.yalibnan.com/2011/01/15/democratic-gathering-bloc-to-meet-sunday-at-jumblatts-residence/ Democratic Gathering bloc to meet Sunday at Jumblatt’s residence|Ya Libnan|World News Live from Lebanon]</ref>

During Hezbollah Secretary-General [[Hassan Nasrallah]]'s first speech after the fall of the government, broadcast on [[Al Manar]],<ref>[http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/01/20111165482959237.html Hezbollah leader speaks on crisis – Al Jazeera]</ref> he said that "the opposition unanimously will not name Hariri tomorrow [and that the move to bring down the government was] constitutional, legal and democratic. Despite the fact we reject the indictment simply for being politicised, Lebanon is our homeland and we are keen on its safety and stability."<ref>[http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/01/2011116182941987335.html Hezbollah 'will not back Hariri' - Al Jazeera]</ref>

;Supranational The Secretary-General of the [[Arab League]], [[Amr Moussa]], said that only a unity government can prevent another civil war. He said doors of dialogue must be left open to form a "national accord" that would be in Lebanon's "supreme interest".

Eric Mottu of the [[International Monetary Fund]] said instability could be detrimental to the [[economy of Lebanon]] and that the withdrawals from the government "will further erode confidence and may heighten the risk of a further slowdown. "For growth, investment, consumption and tourism it could be a risk."

;International *{{flag|Iran}} - Iran blamed the United States and Israel for "sabotage and obstruction" that led to the fall of the government.<ref>[http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=169995&language=en Al-ManarTV: Iran: US, Israel Responsible for S-S Settlement's Failure 13 January 2011]{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> *{{flag|Israel}} - Israel reacted with alarm at the fall of the government.<ref>Martin Chulov, [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/jan/12/lebanon-reels-hezbollah-topples-government Lebanon reels as Hezbollah topples government], ''The Guardian'' (12 January 2011).</ref> Analysts suggested that if Hezbollah took control of Lebanon, an Israeli-Lebanese war would follow (see [[Israeli–Lebanese conflict]]).<ref>[http://www.dw.com/en/lebanon-falls-into-political-turmoil-as-government-collapses/a-6399911 Lebanon falls into political turmoil as government collapses], [[Deutsche Welle]] (13 January 2011).</ref> Israeli Deputy Prime Minister [[Silvan Shalom]] described the new Lebanese government as an "Iranian government on Israel's northern border."<ref>Emile Hokayem, [https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/tehranbureau/2011/01/iran-and-hezbollah-the-balance-of-power-shifts-in-lebanon.html Iran and Hezbollah: The Balance of Power Shifts in Lebanon], PBS ''Frontline'' (27 January 2011).</ref> *{{flag|Saudi Arabia}} - Prince [[Saud al-Faisal]], the [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Saudi Arabia)|Saudi foreign minister]], said: "The resignations will be dangerous, as they will cause clashes once again. Thus, we hope these resignations will not take place. They have the potential to cause everything built so far to collapse." He also warned of possible regional repercussions. *{{flag|Turkey}} - As Hariri returned to Lebanon he met Turkish Prime Minister [[Recep Tayyip Erdogan]], who pledged to play "an active role" in ending the political crisis. "We cannot tolerate Lebanon becoming mired in political instability. All parties to the Lebanon crisis must act responsibly and must above all take into account Lebanon's interest." He also said that Turkey would work with Iran and Syria to resolve problems.<ref name=autogenerated3>[http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=170190&language=en Al-ManarTV:: Turkish PM Pledges to Play Active Role to End Crisis in Lebanon 14 January 2011]{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> *{{flag|United Kingdom}} - Foreign Secretary [[William Hague]] said the withdrawals were "extremely serious" and could have "grave implications" across the Middle East. He also said the UK "strongly condemns" alleged attempts to undermine the STL "which must be allowed to do its work without any obstacle. Justice must take its course and there should be an end to impunity for political assassinations in Lebanon." *{{flag|United States of America}} - The [[White House#West Wing|President's office]] said that Hezbollah was "demonstrating their own fear and determination to block the government’s ability to conduct its business and advance the aspirations of all of the Lebanese people."<ref name=autogenerated2>[http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=169956&language=en Al-ManarTV:: Lebanon Gov't in Caretaker Capacity Amid Int'l Uproar; Violence Not Foreseen 13/01/2011]{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Secretary of State [[Hillary Clinton]] said "We view what happened today as a transparent effort by those forces inside Lebanon, as well as interests outside Lebanon, to subvert justice and undermine Lebanon’s stability and progress, We believe that the work of the Special Tribunal must go forward so justice can be served and impunity ended."<ref name="aljazreactions"/> She was also said to have spoken on the issue of the STL and its repercussions with other regional leaders.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=169885&language=en |title=Live Broadcast |newspaper=Al Manar |access-date=13 October 2012 }}{{dead link|date=May 2017|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> The ambassador to Lebanon said that the "United States and the international community have said from the beginning, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon is an irrevocable, international judicial process; its work is not a matter of politics but of law. The resignation of some of Lebanon's ministers will not change this...The United States remains steadfast in its support for Lebanon's state institutions through our robust military, security, and economic development assistance. We expect a new government will emerge through constitutional procedures, and our strong partnership with Lebanon will endure."<ref name="almanarresponse">[http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=170186&language=en Al-ManarTV:: US Backs STL as 'Irrevocable'; Indictment 'Imminent' 14 January 2011] {{dead link|date=May 2017|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> The US continued to maintain that the STL was "irrevocable."<ref name="almanarresponse"/> **[[Elliot Abrams]], a former [[Presidency of George W. Bush|Bush administration]] security adviser, said that "Hezbollah has been holding the entire country hostage while arming itself to the teeth with the help of Syria and Iran. Today’s Hezbollah resignation from the government, where it formally held minority status, is a threat to every Lebanese. If Hariri complies with Hezbollah's demands, he is in my view finished as a national and as a Sunni leader, having compromised his own, his family's, and his country's honour. It appears that Hariri won't do it, which is both a moral and a politically intelligent decision. Instead he and his country are left floating, trying to avoid violence that may only benefit Hezbollah and watching Saudi and Syrian mediation whose outcome for Lebanese sovereignty is likely to be tragic."

;Other reactions The [[Beirut Stock Exchange|BLOM]] stock index crashed following the collapse of the government. However, it stabilised the next day as the central bank said there was no rush to the US dollar and that it would intervene to stabilise Lebanon currency and [[Economy of Lebanon|economy]] should there be a capital flight from the [[Lebanese pound|pound]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-13/lebanon-central-bank-ready-to-act-to-defend-currency-update1-.html| newspaper=Bloomberg|first=Massoud A.|last=Derhally|title=Lebanon Central Bank Ready to Act to Defend Currency|date=13 January 2011}}</ref> Though fears from a lingering political crisis existed.<ref>[http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=3&article_id=123676 The Daily Star – Market coping with government resignation]</ref>

===Analysis=== Michael Young of the ''[[Daily Star (Lebanon)|Daily Star]]'' said that "[Syrian President Bashir al-] Assad is smarting from the American derailing of Syrian-Saudi talks...Assad does not want to be blamed by Washington and Paris for whatever goes wrong in Lebanon, and he grasps that any confrontation between the Lebanese might only reinforce Hezbollah, and more importantly Iran, at Syria's expense. Neither Hezbollah nor Syria is pleased with what is going on. For the party, all the contentious means of crippling the tribunal have grave shortcomings. A serious political or security escalation would only harden discord at a moment when Hezbollah's primary goal is to show that Lebanon is united in its rejection of the special tribunal. As for Assad, if he pushes too hard, he may lose for good the Lebanese Sunni card, which he has worked for years to regain. Hariri alone can issue Hezbollah with a certificate of innocence, and if the prime minister decides to sit the coming period out of office, it is difficult to see how any opposition-led government would function properly."

''[[Al Quds Al Arabi]]'' stated a "stage of escalation has started" in Lebanon.<ref name=autogenerated1/>

[[Al Manar]] reported that "sectarian rhetoric was re-vivified in Lebanon with some politicians and clerics claiming that nominating anyone else than Saad Hariri as prime minister was tantamount to sedition."<ref>[http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=170305&language=en Al-ManarTV:: Sectarian Rhetoric Re-Vivified over Premiership Challenge 15/01/2011]{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

''[[As Safir]]'' stated that "Lebanon entered a new phase yesterday, an open-ended one characterized by a profound and long-term political and governmental crisis. This month will be the month of crises and unpleasant surprises."

[[An Nahar]] also added that there would be "no easy way out of Lebanon's new political crisis. No one is under the illusion that the open crisis will come to an end anytime soon, particularly as the opposition resigned from government as a pre-emptive strike before the tribunal issues its indictments."<ref name=autogenerated2/>

''[[Al Akhbar (Lebanon)|Al Akhbar]]'' ran a headline the next day saying the results of the resignation were "The Beginning of the Unknown." The ''New York Times'' read this as a feat that "the unknown...could turn bloody, with street clashes in which Hezbollah is likely to prevail." However, it also cited other analysts as dismissing the prospect of violence as both a result of Hezbollah's strength and Turkey's emergence as regionally influential middleman that both sides would avoid alienating. The quoted analysts said it was more likely to simply have a longer period of a political stalemate akin to the 2006–2008 period.

Zvi Bar'el of ''[[Haaretz]]'' also said that the resignations were "intended to show Syria the limitations of its influence on the group and to tell Damascus that if it wanted to show Washington it can preserve stability in Lebanon, Hezbollah and Iran will have the last word. Nasrallah, who is not pleased with the strengthening ties between Syria and Hariri and fears they will gnaw at his power, now wants to reshuffle the cabinet, have a new prime minister appointed and split up the coalition. This will increase Hezbollah's strength and could thwart Syria's ability to form a political bloc that would counterbalance the group."<ref name="aljazreactions">[http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/01/20111138579772871.html Views on Lebanon political crisis – Middle East – Al Jazeera English]</ref>

The ''[[New York Times]]'' also reported that while the government was expected to fall after the STL's indictments, it was not expected to fall so soon. It also pointed out the complexities of Lebanese politics as having "foreign powers habitually play in the country’s domestic affairs" with Hezbollah backed by Iran and Syria, while the United States, France and Saudi Arabia back Hariri's Future Movement.<ref name="NYT collapse"/>

Other analysts warned of the consequences to Lebanon stemming from the STL in some form. Joshua Landis of the [[Center for Middle East Studies]] at the [[University of Oklahoma]] said that "The new show down caused by the impending indictments of the International Tribunal will return Lebanon to paralysis not war. Hezbollah has made it clear that it does not want war. It will not carry out a 'coup,' as some have claimed. But it will bring government to a stand still. The highest price will be paid by Lebanon's wealthy communities. They have the most to lose by a slow down in investment, the collapse of the stock market, and decline in economic growth. And to think that Lebanon was growing at eight per cent last year. Now we are sure to see more immobility, sectarian strife, and economic stagnation in the Middle East." Graeme Bannerman of the [[Middle East Institute]] said that "Probably no one in the world wants the tribunal more than Hariri, but he has a whole series of other considerations. He can't govern without consensus." He also said that the United States' backing of the STL has "an alternative agenda, which is to weaken Hezbollah and therefore Syria and Iran. It doesn't take into consideration how the Lebanese political system works. I think we are an essential part of Hariri's problem. I think we are making his life more difficult rather than easier."

Jamal Wakim, a professor at [[Lebanese International University]], said the crisis was "very serious, [as] for the first time since 2008 we have a big division in the country, we have no talks going on between the March 8 and March 14 groups." He added that the opposition March 8 was not likely to form a government on its own and that "there is more yet to come. Violence might break out whenever we have political instability, and now we have a political confrontation between two opposing groups, and its most likely that it will happen." Edward Bell, an analyst for the [[Middle East and North Africa at the Economist Intelligence Unit]] said Lebanon could now go for several months without any government. "The external player with the best chance at defusing the situation is Syria as it maintains contact with all parties, both inside and outside of Lebanon, and can apply pressure on Hezbollah to reach a consensus with other Lebanese parties."<ref name="haririgovtfall">[http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/01/20111148327398443.html Hariri vows to solve Lebanon crisis – Middle East – Al Jazeera English]</ref>

==New government formation== President Michel Suleiman then nominated billionaire businessman [[Najib Mikati]] to form a new government.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110129060753/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-01/25/c_13706780.htm Hezbollah-backed Najib Mikati appointed Lebanon's PM designate]</ref> His candidature was controversial as it was seen as part of Hezbollah's growing influence in the country.{{citation needed|date=January 2011}}

The process of a new government was read to be more difficult after Saudi Arabia pulled out of talks to assuage concerns following the fall of the government.<ref>[http://english.aljazeera.net/video/middleeast/2011/01/201111916522349218.html Lebanon tense as Saudi quits talks – Al Jazeera]</ref> However, Turkey said it would play active role to ease tensions.<ref name=autogenerated3 /> Following a commemoration on 13 March 2011 of the March 14's "revolution," in which Hariri called for an end to Hezbollah's arms, Mikati called his statements an incitement.

On 18 March a meeting between Mikati and representatives of March 8 failed to break the deadlock on formation of a new government.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidDS18032011_dsart37|title=Story|newspaper=Zawya|access-date=13 October 2012}}</ref> A new government was [[Lebanese government of June 2011|formed]] on 13 June.<ref name=Harris2012>{{cite book|author=William Harris|title=Lebanon: A History, 600-2011|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jY4ImTGnamUC&pg=PP2|access-date=7 April 2013|date=19 July 2012|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-518111-1|pages=274}}</ref>

===Reactions=== ;Domestic In commencing government formation negotiations Mikati said "Let us go to work immediately according to the principles and basis that we have affirmed our commitment to several times, namely...defending Lebanon's sovereignty and its independence and liberating land that remains under the occupation of the Israeli enemy."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.haaretz.com/news/international/lebanon-pm-new-government-to-liberate-land-under-occupation-of-israeli-enemy-1.367453 |title= Lebanon PM: New Government to Liberate Land Under Occupation of 'Israeli Enemy'|newspaper=Haaretz |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616125253/http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/lebanon-pm-new-government-to-liberate-land-under-occupation-of-israeli-enemy-1.367453 |archive-date=16 June 2011}}</ref> Nasrallah called on Mikati's opponents to give him a chance and accused them of "seeking power for power's sake rather than that of the Lebanese people."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/4821/World/Region/Nasrallah-calls-on-his-rivals-to-give-Mikati-a-cha.aspx |title=Nasrallah calls on his rivals to give Mikati a chance |publisher=Ahram |access-date=2012-10-13}}</ref>

Even though Mikati is a Sunni, some Sunnis, who supported the March 14 alliance, protested the decision<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/gallery/2011/01/25/GA2011012502164.html?hpid=topnews#photo=1 | newspaper=The Washington Post | title=Lebanese Sunnis stage angry protests as Hezbollah-backed candidate is appointed PM | date=25 January 2011}}</ref> calling for a "day of anger"<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-lebanon-politics-20110125,0,954437.story | work=Los Angeles Times| first=Meris | last=Lutz | title=Hezbollah, Hariri: Supporters of Lebanon's Sunni bloc call for protests | date=25 January 2011}}</ref> over claims that Iran and Syria were gaining influence in the country.

Member of the March 14 alliance and [[Lebanese Forces]] leader [[Samir Geagea]] said that he believed if Hezbollah took power "the situation in Lebanon will soon be like the one in Gaza." He also criticised Jumblatt's support for Hezbollah even before the negotiations for the new government commenced.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/news/international/lebanese-christian-leader-hezbollah-is-turning-lebanon-into-gaza-1.338548 |title=Lebanese Christian Leader is turning to Lebanon |work=Haaretz |access-date=2012-10-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110125165326/http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/lebanese-christian-leader-hezbollah-is-turning-lebanon-into-gaza-1.338548 |archive-date=25 January 2011 }}</ref>

Maronite patriarch [[Nasrallah Sfeir]] called for the swift formation of a new government.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/Feb/21/Sfeir-calls-for-swift-government-formation.ashx |title=Sfeir calls for swift government formation |work=The Daily Star |date=2011-02-21 |access-date=2012-10-13}}</ref> In March, the [[Beirut Stock Exchange]] continued to suffer as a result of the political uncertainty.<ref>http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=3&article_id=126052#axzz1Gis7VSfo {{Dead link|date=August 2022}}</ref>

;International {{flagicon|CAN}} - [[Foreign relations of Canada|Canada]] issued a statement urging all the various political factions to work together, though it also warned that it would not work with the new government if Hezbollah was a leading a member.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/is-new-lebanon-government-a-little-hezbollah-or-a-lot/article1884177/ | location=Toronto | work=The Globe and Mail | first=Campbell | last=Clark | title=Is new Lebanon government a little Hezbollah – or a lot? - The Globe and Mail | date=26 January 2011}}</ref>

{{flagicon|QAT}} - [[Foreign relations of Qatar|Qatar]], who were previously involved in forming an [[Doha Agreement (2008)|agreement]] over the last government, said they hoped consultations would be postponed over the new nominee.<ref>[http://www.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/0/2B9C80774C174AC4C225782100268F58?OpenDocument Qatari Emir Hopes President would Postpone Consultations, Suleiman Sees No Justification for it - Naharnet Newsdesk]</ref>

{{flagicon|USA}} - [[United States President]] [[Barack Obama]] said he would visit France for talks over the crisis in Lebanon.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/01/2011125152635550548.html |title=US: Tunisia example can spur reform |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=2011-01-14 |access-date=2011-01-26}}</ref> **''[[Asharq Al Awsat]]'' said that the United States responded in suggesting it was considering severing economic ties, which sought to implement [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701|UN Resolution 1701]], if Mikati were to become PM.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110124043809/http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/u-s-may-cut-economic-ties-with-lebanon-if-hezbollah-linked-pm-chosen-1.338778 U.S. may cut economic ties with Lebanon if Hezbollah-linked PM chosen - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News]</ref>

;Non-state ''[[Ynet]]'' suggested that Mikati would not "automatically embrace Hezbollah['s] position."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4019097,00.html |title=Lebanese PM designate: Will not automatically embrace Hezbollah position |publisher=Ynetnews |date=1995-06-20 |access-date=2012-10-13}}</ref>

==See also== * [[Lebanese government of June 2011]]

== References == {{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lebanese Government of November 2009}} [[Category:2009 establishments in Lebanon]] [[Category:2011 disestablishments in Lebanon]] [[Category:Cabinets of Lebanon]] [[Category:Cabinets established in 2009]] [[Category:Cabinets disestablished in 2011]]