After two years without a president, the Lebanese Parliament in Beirut convened this morning (Thursday) for the 13th time, and elected the Chief of Staff of the Lebanese Army Joseph Aoun as the country’s president. Aoun won during the second round, and avowed that “today marks a new era in Lebanon’s history,” then declaring his aim is to “restore what Israel destroyed in the south of the country and the southern suburbs of Beirut.”
A Second Round Victory: Hezbollah’s Withdrawal
Prior to the elections, Aoun was expected to secure victory in the first round. However, after receiving only 71 votes, he failed to secure the required majority of 86 out of 128 votes. A second round was held, where he ultimately won with a majority of 99 votes. However, since he was elected in the second round, Lebanese law mandates that lawmakers must amend the constitution in order to allow him to serve concurrently as both president and Chief of Staff.
Hezbollah initially refused to support Aoun’s candidacy, but withdrew its opposition this week via its parliamentary representatives. Hezbollah’s previous preferred candidate Suleiman Frangieh announced his withdrawal from the race yesterday, and expressed his support for Aoun’s candidacy.
Israel Sends a Message of Support
Israel has conveyed messages to Beirut’s political circles expressing “support” for Aoun’s presidential bid, as well as receptivity to a security cooperation with him.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar extended his congratulations on his social media account, posting: “I congratulate Lebanon upon the election of a new President, following a lengthy political crisis. I hope that this choice will contribute towards stability, a better future for Lebanon and its people and to good neighborly relations.”
Due to the Lebanese Chief of Staff’s election and the upcoming inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump later this month, Israeli officials are optimistic that a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon can be maintained, along with better control over security conditions in the north.
