Lebanon Elects Army Chief Joseph Aoun as President, Marking Shift in Power Dynamics
Aoun’s election is seen as a step towards restoring Lebanon’s governance
BEIRUT: Lebanon‘s parliament elected General Joseph Aoun, the country’s army chief, as president on Thursday, a move that signals a shift in the country’s power dynamics and the waning influence of Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Shiite group. Aoun’s election comes after a prolonged power vacuum since former president Michel Aoun’s term ended in October 2022. The election was a crucial step toward stabilizing Lebanon, which has been grappling with severe political, economic, and social crises.
Aoun, 60, received widespread applause during his address to parliament, where he promised to restore the state’s exclusive control over arms and vowed to rebuild parts of Lebanon devastated by Israeli attacks. His stance contrasted sharply with Hezbollah’s control over its own military forces, and his speech was met with silence from the group’s lawmakers.
The election of Aoun reflects the diminished power of Hezbollah after its recent conflict with Israel and the weakening of its Syrian ally Bashar al-Assad. It also suggests a revival of Saudi influence in Lebanon, a country traditionally divided between the influence of Saudi Arabia and Iran. Aoun’s election was notably supported by Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal Movement, signaling a shift in alliances.
International support for Aoun’s candidacy was evident, with both Saudi Arabia and France backing his election. U.S. Ambassador Lisa Johnson expressed satisfaction with the outcome, while Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar welcomed it, hoping it would contribute to stability in the region.
Aoun’s election is seen as a step towards restoring Lebanon’s governance, which has been stalled for years. His next challenge will be forming a government, including appointing a Sunni Muslim prime minister, as required by Lebanon’s sectarian power-sharing system.
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The country’s international bonds rallied following the announcement of Aoun’s victory, reflecting optimism about Lebanon’s political future. However, challenges remain, with Hezbollah opponents claiming that foreign pressure played a significant role in Aoun’s election. Regardless, Aoun’s supporters view this as a new chapter for Lebanon, one focused on closer alignment with the international community and economic recovery.
