After years of political deadlock, Lebanon has finally elected a new president, bringing an end to a prolonged power vacuum. Army chief Joseph Aoun, a figure closely aligned with the United States and Saudi Arabia, secured the presidency in a dramatic parliamentary session.
Aoun’s election follows months of intense diplomacy led by Washington and Riyadh, aiming to rally support for the army chief amidst Lebanon’s deeply divided political landscape. After two rounds of voting, Aoun emerged victorious, stepping down as army chief to assume the civilian role. He was sworn in wearing civilian attire, symbolizing his transition to national leadership.
A “New Era” for Lebanon
In his acceptance speech, Aoun declared the dawn of a “new era,” pledging to steer Lebanon out of its crippling economic and political crises. Striking a bold tone, he vowed to centralize control over weapons under the authority of the state, a direct challenge to the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.
Hezbollah, widely regarded as the most formidable militant group in the Middle East, has been a polarizing force in Lebanese politics. The group suffered significant setbacks during a devastating war with Israel last fall, compounded by the collapse of its ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, in December.
The US-brokered ceasefire agreement that ended the conflict on November 27 stipulated that Hezbollah withdraw from Lebanon’s southern border with Israel, further eroding its influence. Israeli forces are also mandated to leave Lebanese territory by the end of January.
A Shift in Lebanon’s Defense Strategy
While the Lebanese army remained neutral during the war, it is now central to implementing the ceasefire agreement. In his address, Aoun emphasized Lebanon’s sovereignty, stating, “The Lebanese state, I repeat the Lebanese state will get rid of the Israeli occupation.”
He also signaled a departure from Lebanon’s reliance on Hezbollah for defense against Israel. Aoun proposed a state-led “defensive strategy” to counter Israeli aggression, marking a significant shift in the nation’s approach.
“My era will include the discussion of our defensive strategy to enable the Lebanese state to get rid of the Israeli occupation and to retaliate against its aggression,” Aoun declared, hinting at a future without Hezbollah’s dominance in Lebanon’s military affairs.
Breaking the Deadlock
Lebanon’s presidency had been vacant since October 2022, following the end of Michel Aoun’s term. Michel Aoun, who is not related to Joseph Aoun, was a staunch ally of Hezbollah. The prolonged stalemate over his successor underscored the deep divide between Lebanon’s pro-Western and pro-Iranian factions.
Parliament’s inability to elect a president in 12 previous sessions reflected the country’s entrenched political paralysis. However, Thursday’s vote broke the impasse, with Joseph Aoun securing 99 out of 128 parliamentary votes in the second round.
Interestingly, Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc played a pivotal role in the election. While they abstained from the first round of voting, Hezbollah cast their votes for Aoun in the second round, citing a desire to promote “national cohesion.”
“We wanted to send a message… that we are protectors of sovereignty,” said Mohammad Raad, head of Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc.
Navigating Lebanon’s Future
Joseph Aoun’s presidency represents a significant political realignment in Lebanon. As a Maronite Christian, his election adheres to Lebanon’s confessional power-sharing system, but his close ties to Washington and Riyadh signal a potential shift in the country’s geopolitical orientation.
The challenges ahead are formidable. Lebanon faces a dire economic crisis, political fragmentation, and unresolved tensions surrounding Hezbollah’s role. Yet, Aoun’s pledges to assert state sovereignty and chart a new path for national defense offer a glimmer of hope for a nation desperate for stability.
As Lebanon embarks on this new chapter, the world will watch closely to see whether Aoun can deliver on his promises and guide the country toward lasting peace and prosperity.
