US-Backed General Joseph Aoun Becomes Lebanon’s New President

Lebanon’s parliament elected General Joseph Aoun as the country’s new president with a decisive 99 votes from the 128-seat parliament, following thirteen failed attempts. The election ends a political vacuum that lasted more than two years after Michel Aoun’s term ended in October 2022. General Aoun becomes the fifth army commander to serve as president and the country’s fourteenth president overall. His leadership role is significant as Lebanon faces its worst economic crisis in history. The country’s GDP has shrunk by more than a third since 2019. Both the United States and Saudi Arabia support his election, which could signal a new chapter for Lebanon and help end the nation’s international isolation.

US Strategic Support Shapes Lebanon’s Leadership

The United States stands as Lebanon’s most important security partner. The country shows its steadfast dedication through major military and economic support. The Biden administration moved more than AED 367.19 million in military aid from Israel and Egypt to Lebanon. This move shows how America prioritizes Lebanese stability.

American investments in Lebanon have produced remarkable results. The US has invested over AED 11.02 billion in the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and Internal Security Forces (ISF). These funds have helped Lebanon’s core institutions grow stronger in several ways:

• Better border security
• Maritime security operations
• Defense institution building
• Counterterrorism capabilities
• Arms transfer programs

The United States has given more than AED 20.20 billion in total foreign aid to Lebanon. This support shows America’s long-term commitment to Lebanon’s stability. The aid addresses humanitarian needs and highlights America’s strategic interest. The US wants Lebanon to stay sovereign and resist Iranian influence in the region.

The US support for General Joseph Aoun’s presidency shows a calculated step to build stronger democratic institutions in Lebanon. US ambassador Lisa Johnson attended the parliamentary session and said she was “very happy” with Aoun’s election. Her presence proves that Washington plays an active role in reshaping the scene of Lebanese politics.

Breaking Lebanon’s Political Deadlock

Lebanon faced its worst political crisis as the country had no president for over two years after Michel Aoun’s term ended in October 2022. The May 2022 parliamentary elections brought 13 independent reformist candidates to power. These elections did not alter the political scene significantly.

The political standoff continued through twelve failed attempts to elect a president. Deep divisions between pro- and anti-Hezbollah blocs stopped any candidate from getting enough votes. The parliamentary voting revealed several challenges:

• No candidate secured the required 86 votes in first rounds
• Hezbollah and Amal Movement delegates submitted blank ballots
• Candidates stepped back when they could not build consensus
• Many sessions did not have enough members present

Representatives from the United States, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, France, and Egypt met in Paris to find solutions. French and Saudi diplomats worked extensively in Beirut to convince lawmakers to end the deadlock. Their efforts proved vital.

A major breakthrough came when Suleiman Frangieh backed out of the race and supported Joseph Aoun. This move, combined with international pressure that tied financial aid to presidential election, created momentum toward a solution. Hezbollah and its allies, who had opposed Aoun’s candidacy, ended up supporting his election in the second round of voting. This marked a historic moment in Lebanon’s political journey.

Critical Timing Amid Regional Tensions

General Joseph Aoun’s election comes at a crucial time for Lebanon as tensions rise along its southern border. Israeli forces have faced daily clashes with Hezbollah since October 2023, which shows a major increase in border conflicts.

A peace deal between Israel and Hezbollah brought hope in November 2024. The deal’s main points include:

• Israeli forces’ withdrawal south of the Blue Line within 60 days
• Deployment of 10,000 Lebanese army troops to southern regions
• Removal of Hezbollah’s military presence south of the Litani River
• Better monitoring through a US-led mechanism

The path to peace faces many obstacles. Lebanese officials have counted 398 Israeli violations since the deal was signed, with 32 deaths and 38 injuries reported. The situation looks better under General Aoun’s steady hand, as his leadership of the Lebanese army since 2017 has proven effective in handling security issues.

The region remains unstable. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) describes the security situation as “very difficult”. Recent attacks have shown how hard it is to keep the peace, and unknown groups have even targeted UNIFIL facilities.

General Aoun’s presidency now plays a vital role in making the ceasefire work and stopping further violence. His experience leading the US-backed Lebanese army through past crises makes him well-suited to bring stability during these uncertain times.

General Joseph Aoun’s election represents a crucial turning point for Lebanon and signals a move toward stability after years of political turmoil. His clear-cut victory received support from Western and regional powers, which shows rare agreement among Lebanon’s typically divided political groups. His extensive military leadership experience makes him well-suited to handle ongoing challenges, especially when you have border conflicts and economic issues to consider.

Strong international backing, particularly from the United States through military support and diplomatic channels, reinforces Lebanon’s recovery efforts. Strategic collaborations and the recent ceasefire agreement bring fresh hope to reduce tensions in the region. Aoun’s presidency goes beyond a simple change in leadership. This is a chance for Lebanon to strengthen its institutions, win back international trust, and tackle its economic crisis head-on.

Lebanon successfully filled its presidential void through diplomatic efforts, which shows that even the most difficult political stalemates can end. Aoun’s presidency demonstrates how positive change emerges through international cooperation and internal agreement as Lebanon works to solve its complex security and economic challenges.