US-Backed Army Chief Joseph Aoun Elected Lebanon’s New President, Ending 2-Year Stalemate

Lebanon’s parliament has elected Joseph Aoun, the US-backed army chief, as the country’s new president, marking a significant end to a two-year political deadlock.

Aoun’s victory in the tightly contested election reflects a shift in the nation’s political dynamics, with strong backing from Saudi Arabia and the United States.

Joseph was officially declared president following two rounds of parliamentary voting.

The second round saw Aoun secure 99 out of 128 votes, signaling bipartisan support, including from Hezbollah and its ally Amal, after an initial abstention in the first round.

Transition from Military Leader to Civilian President

After his election, Aoun stepped down from his military role, symbolizing the transition by arriving at parliament in civilian attire for the swearing-in ceremony.

His presidency ends a political vacuum that began in October 2022, following the departure of Michel Aoun, a former president supported by Hezbollah.

Despite sharing the same surname, the two are not related.

External Influence: US and Saudi Arabia’s Role

Joseph Aoun’s candidacy gained momentum due to robust diplomatic efforts by the United States and Saudi Arabia.

Both nations sought to consolidate support for a candidate aligned with Western and regional stability interests.

A US-brokered ceasefire last November between Hezbollah and Israel also paved the way for the election by easing tensions in the region.

Lebanon’s Complex Power-Sharing System

Under Lebanon’s confessional political system, the presidency is reserved for a Maronite Christian.

Aoun’s election was facilitated by compromises among rival factions, including Hezbollah and pro-Western groups, after 12 previous failed attempts to elect a president over the past two years.

Key Challenges Ahead

Joseph Aoun assumes leadership at a critical juncture. Lebanon faces an economic crisis, social unrest, and lingering geopolitical tensions.

The Lebanese army, a cornerstone of the ceasefire agreement with Israel, is expected to play a pivotal role in maintaining stability, particularly in Hezbollah-dominated areas of southern Lebanon.

Who Is Joseph Aoun?

Aoun was born on January 10, 1964 in the Beirut suburb of Sin el-Fil in the Metn District, the child of Hoda Ibrahim Makhlouta and Khalil Aoun.

He completed secondary school at the Collège des Frères Mont La Salle. His family is originally from the town of Al-Aaishiyah, Southern Lebanon.

He enrolled at the Lebanese American University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in political science and international affairs, which he earned in 2007.

Aoun also holds a bachelor’s degree in military science from the Lebanese Army Military Academy.

He joined the Lebanese army in 1983 and trained abroad, especially in the United States and Syria.

He also underwent counter-terrorism training in the United States in 2008 and Lebanon in 2013. He has headed the army’s 9th Infantry Brigade since 2015.

In 1990, Joseph Aoun served as a lieutenant under the command of Maghaweer leader Bassam Gergi at the Adma barracks.

During the Adma Battle in the Elimination War, Gergi was killed and Aoun took over leadership within the Maghawir group.

His role began to rise in 2015 when he was appointed commander of the 9th Brigade deployed on the border with Israel.

On 8 March 2017, the Lebanese government appointed Joseph Aoun commander-in-chief of the Lebanese Armed Forces, replacing Jean Kahwaji.

Aoun led battles against the ISIS campaign in eastern Lebanon yet, where hundreds of militants from the Nusra Front and the Islamic State (ISIS) were entrenched in barren areas on the border with Syria.

In August 19, 2017 he commanded the Jroud Dawn Operation which was a successful offensive to expel the Islamist militants from their strongholds.

Following the protests in Lebanon and with the deadlock of the formation of the government, General Aoun made a speech on March 8, 2021 concerning the local and regional situation.

Aoun focused on the economic crisis and its impact on the military staff and addressed the political class: “Where are we going? What are you waiting for? What do you plan to do? We have warned more than once of the danger of the situation.” His speech went viral on social media.

On December 15, 2023, the Lebanese parliament voted to extend Aoun’s term for one year which was mainly endorsed by the Lebanese Opposition, the Amal Movement and the Progressive Socialist Party.

During this time, he led the LAF through the 2024 Israeli invasion of Lebanon. On November 28, 2024, parliament voted to extend his term a second time.

Aoun’s possible candidacy was first raised by Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea in July 2022 who suggested that he would make a good successor to previous president.

Qatar declared support for his candidacy during a visit by officials as they vowed to support the army with financial and military aid, the United States also followed with support.

A 5-nation group was formed by the Doha envoy which involved the United States, France, KSA, and Egypt to hold talks and solve the presidential vacancy in Lebanon in which most countries affirmed its support for the election of Aoun.

Jumblatt was the first to announce that the Democratic Gathering bloc he leads will elect him.

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