Joseph Aoun Elected Lebanon's President with U.S.-Saudi Support, Secures 99 Votes

Jan 13, 2025, 01:10 AM

Lebanon's parliament has elected Joseph Aoun, the country's army chief, as the new president, ending a two-year political deadlock. Aoun, a Maronite Christian, secured 99 out of 128 parliamentary votes, gaining support from various political factions, including initial skeptics like Hezbollah. His election, backed by the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, is seen as a critical step toward stabilizing Lebanon amid severe economic crises and political tensions. In his inaugural address, Aoun emphasized the state's exclusive right to bear arms, signaling a potential shift in the balance of power with Hezbollah. The new president has pledged to invest in the army to secure Lebanon's borders and address ongoing challenges, including relations with Israel and Hezbollah's military influence. His leadership as army commander was marked by neutrality and inclusivity, earning him domestic and international credibility. Aoun's presidency follows a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah and comes in the context of Lebanon's worsening economic crisis.