Hezbollah to be included in new Lebanese government

Hezbollah will be part of the next Lebanese government "whether Israel likes it or not," Lebanon's Prime Minister-designate Sa'ad Hariri (pictured) was quoted as saying during a Ramadan meal Tuesday night.

"The national unity government will include the ruling March 14 alliance, and I also want to assure the Israeli enemy that Hezbollah will be in this government whether it likes it or not because Lebanon's interests require all parties be involved in this cabinet," AFP quoted Hariri as saying.

It seems as if the defeat by Hezbollah during the recent Lebanese elections will not preclude the organization from taking part in government. The Lebanese constitution is very inclusive so this is not a great surprise.

• “Hariri: Hizbullah will join next gov't 'whether Israel likes it or not'” Jerusalem Post, 8/26/09.
• "Hezbollah loses Lebanon vote", Washington Times, 6/8/09.