For long moments, some were on edge during the two tense rounds of voting for Lebanon’s presidency on Thursday. It's worth noting the cumbersome process that unfolded in Lebanon’s parliament on Wednesday. In the morning, at the height of the tension, parliament members cast their votes in the first round for their preferred presidential candidates.
One candidate, Suleiman Frangieh, who had appeared to have strong odds at winning, abruptly withdrew from the race at the last moment. Meanwhile, Lebanon's army chief Joseph Aoun, who seemed even more likely to win, clarified that "I’m not running," but added, "If called upon, I’ll answer."
However, Aoun's candidacy faced a legal hurdle even before the vote. While he would be the fourth president to rise from the army chief position, his predecessors all waited over two years after their term before entering the race. Article 49 of Lebanon’s constitution clearly stipulates that only candidates outside of high-ranking active positions are eligible to run.
Pressure mounted on Aoun from U.S. Middle East envoy Amos Hochstein, French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian and Saudi envoy Prince Yazid bin Farhan to elevate him to the presidency.
A plan was already in place for "the General" to wear two hats at Baabda Palace: one for managing Lebanon’s day-to-day affairs and a larger one for overseeing security and the military, aimed at countering Hezbollah's influence.
Joseph Aoun is a well-known figure both domestically and abroad. A military man through and through, his wife often jokes, "I’m his second partner, after the army." Unlike many of Lebanon’s senior officials, he’s renowned for his integrity, refusal to accept bribes and commitment to addressing issues directly without ulterior motives.
Israel is also familiar with Aoun through its intelligence files. It recognizes his compelling personality, the threats he’s faced and the formidable challenges awaiting him. Chief among these are Lebanon’s dire poverty and lack of employment opportunities with even minimal wages.
In his inaugural speech held on Thursday, "the General," as he’ll likely continue to be called until he fully steps into the presidential role, touched on his vision for relations with "the new Syria." Iran no longer exerts direct influence over Syria’s leadership and Lebanon has not allowed the Revolutionary Guard to establish a presence in Beirut.
While Hezbollah is weakening, it still retains its ability to disrupt the country’s progress. Aoun has already begun deploying the Lebanese army to Hezbollah strongholds and it’s reasonable to assume he’ll continue this effort from Baabda Palace after appointing a new army chief.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed satisfaction with the election, anticipating that it would expedite his departure from office and allow him, Lebanon’s wealthiest billionaire, to return to the business world.
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a shrewd veteran from the Shiite community, was less pleased due to his covert ties with Hezbollah. Nevertheless, Lebanon urgently needs resources, economic projects, investments and even food donations, which might compel its leaders to cooperate with the new president.
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The new Lebanese president mentioned Israel only briefly in his speech. He called, without elaborating, for the removal of the "Israeli occupation," and an end to air force strikes in Lebanese territory. He also said the need to "rebuild what Israeli strikes have destroyed." At least he’s a rare Arab leader who refrains from labeling Israel as "the Zionists."
Lebanon's new president has been a soldier since 1983, a patriot with a friendly demeanor. Notably, two countries joined the hundreds congratulating him on his appointment: Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, sent by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to wish him success after Lebanon's prolonged political and economic crisis, and Iran, which, with heavy hearts and a fair dose of hypocrisy, extended heartfelt congratulations.