UN Security Council urges rapid formation of Lebanese Cabinet

The U.N. Security Council called Thursday for Lebanese leaders to rapidly form a new government, describing it as a "critical" step for stability in the war-battered country and region.

In a statement adopted unanimously, the Council welcomed the Jan. 9 election of President Joseph Aoun, who filled a role that was vacant for over two years, and the nomination of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, urging the new Lebanese leaders to continue to "work constructively to promote the country's stability" and "swiftly" form a government.

"The Security Council stresses that the formation of a government is critical for Lebanon's stability and resilience to withstand regional and domestic challenges and encourages all parties in Lebanon to demonstrate renewed unity to that end," the Council said.

It reaffirmed its "strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence of Lebanon," and called on all parties to respect a cease-fire deal with Israel. 

In September, Israel ramped up a bombing campaign and sent troops into Lebanon after almost a year of cross-border salvos with Hezbollah.

A fragile truce came into effect on Nov. 27, but the Council on Thursday expressed its "concerns" about reported Israeli violations of the deal.

The U.N. peacekeeping force in Lebanon this month accused Israel of a "flagrant violation" of the Security Council resolution which forms the basis of the cease-fire.