Beirut (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Army chief Joseph Aoun has been elected president by Lebanon’s parliament, concluding a years-long political deadlock and presidential gap.
After two rounds of voting, Joseph Aoun was voted president on 9 Jan 2025 as a result of Saudi Arabia’s and the United States’ vigorous efforts to rally support for Aoun, who has close ties to Washington and Riyadh. When Aoun was declared president, he effectively stepped down as army chief. He reached parliament to be sworn in and dressed in civilian clothes.
In his address, Aoun praised the dawn of a new period in Lebanon, promising to disentangle the nation from its myriad economic and political problems. He also committed to “monopolize weapons” under the authorization of the state.
“The Lebanese state – I reiterate, the Lebanese state – will get rid of the Israeli occupation,” Aoun stated in his speech. The new president also introduced the possibility of a Lebanese “defensive strategy” against Israel.
My period will include the dialogue of our defensive strategy to allow the Lebanese state to get rid of the Israeli occupation and to retaliate against its attack,
stated Aoun.
Joseph Aoun career:
Joseph Aoun is a professional soldier and seasoned military leader who took over control of the Lebanese army in 2017. He is regarded for his honesty and for navigating the complex political scenario within Lebanon that, at most times, is strictly along sectarian lines. Aoun was born in Sin el-Fil near Beirut and joined the army in 1983. He began by serving as a platoon commander in the Army Rangers in 1985. His training comprised two infantry officer courses in the United States.
Shortly after his upgrade to commander, the army launched an offensive to clear the enclave of Islamic State militants on the Syrian border, which earned plaudits from the then-U.S. ambassador, who said the military had done an “excellent job.” Aoun’s election marks the end of more than two years of failed attempts to elect a president, in which relations between Hezbollah and its opponents became tense. His candidacy moved along well after Hezbollah’s initially preferred candidate withdrew in his favor.
