Lead:
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam told Al-Nahaar on October 27 that talk of a ministerial reshuffle lacks factual basis, dismissing speculation triggered by mounting disagreements between Hezbollah and senior officials including President Joseph Aoun over how to handle the Dahr al-Bidder explosives file. The government's decision to delay referral of the case to the Judicial Council has temporarily cooled a sharply escalating dispute but has not resolved underlying policy divisions over negotiations with Israel.
Details:
According to Al-Nahaar's reporting, Salam stated firmly: "All statements on this subject are inaccurate; there is no basis whatsoever for talk of ministerial change." He emphasized his administration's focus on managing files across Lebanon's north-south axis and addressing persistent security and economic crises. The denial comes amid broader political strain, particularly regarding Hezbollah's position on Israeli negotiations and the handling of sensitive security matters.
The Dahr al-Bidder explosives file has emerged as a focal point of government instability. Al-Akhbar reported that the decision to postpone the Judicial Council referral was brokered through political contacts involving the Saudi emissary Yazid bin Farhan and coordinated by parliament speaker Nabih Berri, reflecting efforts to prevent the dispute from escalating into open internal confrontation. However, neither side has conceded on substance; rather, both agreed to defer the matter.
Al-Joumhouria noted that Deputy Ali Ammar, speaking on Al-Manar television on Friday, addressed Salam with the phrase "dear friend," a notable rhetorical gesture that observers read as an attempt at diplomatic softening between the Hezbollah-aligned Loyalty to Resistance bloc and the Prime Minister's office. The tone signaled neither capitulation nor resolution, but rather a fragile cooling-off period. According to Reuters sources cited by Al-Joumhouria, Hezbollah has spent the past three months preparing for possible resumption of combat operations with Israel, following receipt of cash funding from Iran for military strengthening, including acquisitions of explosives and production of unmanned aircraft.
Watch For:
Israeli elections held on October 27: government composition outcomes may reshape regional calculations and Lebanese political positioning on negotiations with Israel, a wedge issue between Hezbollah and Aoun-Salam axis. Timing of any Judicial Council referral decision; deferral does not equal permanent closure, and political pressure could force the issue back to cabinet within weeks. Broader indication of whether Hezbollah tensions with the government ease or intensify as external pressures from Israeli election results filter through the region.