US-backed army chief Joseph Aoun elected Lebanon’s president
Lebanon’s parliament has elected Joseph Aoun, the US-backed army chief, as the country’s new president, ending a prolonged political stalemate and two years without a head of state. Aoun was elected after two rounds of voting on January 9, 2025, following significant lobbying by the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Upon his election, Aoun stepped down as army chief and arrived at parliament in civilian attire to take the presidential oath. In his acceptance speech, he called for a “new era” in Lebanon, pledging to tackle the country’s deep political and economic crises and asserting the state’s authority over all arms. His statement about “monopolizing weapons” was a clear reference to Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group that has historically operated outside state control.
Aoun also promised to develop a “defensive strategy” to counter Israeli aggression, marking a shift from reliance on Hezbollah’s military role. He stated, “The Lebanese state will get rid of the Israeli occupation,” and called for renewed discussions to enable the Lebanese state to lead the country’s defense efforts.
The election followed 12 failed attempts over two years to appoint a president after the term of former President Michel Aoun, a Hezbollah ally, ended in October 2022. Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc initially withheld support during the first round of voting but backed Aoun in the second round, citing the need for “national cohesion.” Aoun secured 99 out of 128 votes in the second round.
Under Lebanon’s power-sharing system, the presidency is reserved for a Maronite Christian. Aoun’s election reflects a significant political shift in the nation, emphasizing US and Saudi influence in the region.
Source: CNN
