Lebanon’s parliament elected army chief Joseph Aoun as president on Thursday, filling a long-standing vacancy with a figure supported by the US The election marks a significant shift in power, diminishing the influence of the Iran-backed Hezbollah following its recent conflict with Israel.
In his inaugural speech, 60-year-old Aoun promised to respect the state’s exclusive right to bear arms-a statement that carried a pointed message as there was silence from Hezbollah, which keeps its militia alive. He said he would rehabilitate the war-torn south and other parts of the country Israeli actions have ravaged in the past, while promising to prevent future aggression from Israel. “Today marks a new chapter in Lebanon’s history,” he declared.
Aoun’s election reflects a shift in the balance of power in Lebanon and the Middle East, as Hezbollah is reeling from the aftermath of its war with Israel and the loss of its ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The outcome also marks a resurgence of Saudi influence in Lebanon, which had waned under Iran and Hezbollah’s dominance.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar congratulated Aoun, expressing hopes for stability and improved relations. US Ambassador Lisa Johnson also welcomed Aoun’s election, calling it a positive development.
The presidency, traditionally held by a Maronite Christian, had been vacant since October 2022 due to political deadlock. Aoun secured 99 votes in the second round of voting, surpassing the required 86, with support from Hezbollah and the Amal Movement.
Hezbollah initially was hesitant as a strategy for asserting its role as a custodian of national consensus, said lawmaker Mohammed Raad. Aoun’s candidacy got momentum when Hezbollah’s preferred candidate, Suleiman Frangieh, withdrew and supported him, pressured by French, Saudi, and US envoys.
Saudi Arabia’s King and Crown Prince extended their congratulations, signifying possible international financial support to Lebanon depending on Aoun’s presidency.