Lebanon’s parliament has elected Army Commander Joseph Aoun as president, ending a two-year political stalemate that left the position vacant since October 2022. Aoun, known for his leadership of the Lebanese Armed Forces, secured 99 of 128 votes in the 13th round of elections. In his inaugural address, Aoun emphasized the state’s exclusive right to bear arms, a stance widely seen as a challenge to Hezbollah’s arsenal and influence.
Aoun’s election received domestic and international backing, with support from key powers including Saudi Arabia, France, and the United States. U.S. President Joe Biden praised Aoun as “the right leader for this time,” while the United Nations and other international actors welcomed the result. However, his statement on state sovereignty drew mixed reactions in parliament. While many lawmakers applauded, Hezbollah-affiliated representatives remained silent.
The new president assumes office amid Lebanon’s ongoing economic collapse, which began in 2019 and has left the banking sector in ruins, poverty widespread, and negotiations with the International Monetary Fund stalled. Aoun’s immediate priorities include restoring public trust, securing international aid, and implementing reforms to stabilize the country. He is also expected to oversee the Lebanese army’s expanded role in southern territories under a recent ceasefire agreement with Israel, requiring Hezbollah to scale back its presence in the region.
Aoun’s leadership of the Lebanese Armed Forces has bolstered his image as a unifying figure, largely removed from sectarian politics. However, Lebanon’s confessional political system, which divides power among 18 religious sects, remains a significant obstacle to forming a functional government. Aoun must appoint a new prime minister and oversee the formation of a cabinet, a process often delayed by competing political interests.
Addressing Hezbollah’s role in Lebanon’s political and security landscape will be one of Aoun’s toughest challenges. The group’s influence, long justified as a defense against Israel, has waned due to military setbacks and strained regional alliances. While some analysts see Aoun’s presidency as an opportunity to reclaim state authority, achieving this will likely require careful negotiation to avoid destabilizing the fragile political environment.
