Saad Hariri obtained the support of 86 members in the 128-member parliament on June 27 and was asked by the President Michel Suleiman to form a new government1. Hariri on his part pledged to protect the interests of all Lebanese, including those who might have voted for the opposition alliance. He added that he was open to proposals regarding the formation of the new Cabinet.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meanwhile stated on June 28 that if Hezbollah was included in the new Cabinet, the Lebanese government would be held responsible for any assault against the state of Israel2.

• 1. “Hariri designated as Lebanon PM,” Al Jazeera, June 27, 2009, at http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2009/06/2009627113039404698...
• 2. “Hariri emphasizes need for unity cabinet to end divide,” The Daily Star, June 30, 2009, at http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_...