Who is Joseph Aoun? US-backed Army chief elected Lebanon's president

Joseph Aoun, Lebanon's new president, was elected after a two-year vacancy. He was favored by the US and Saudi Arabia, signaling a shift from Hezbollah's influence.

In Short

• Aoun preferred by US, Saudi Arabia, and Europe; Hezbollah initially backed another.
• Aoun to implement Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire and seek international funds.
• US and allies' support crucial for Aoun's reform agenda.

Joseph Aoun,60, has been elected as Lebanon’s head of state by the parliament, ending a more than two-year-long presidential vacuum. This vote comes just weeks after a fragile ceasefire agreement paused a 14-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Aoun, no relation to former president Michel Aoun, was widely seen as the preferred candidate of the United States and Saudi Arabia, whose assistance Lebanon will need as it seeks to rebuild.

Hezbollah previously backed another candidate, Suleiman Frangieh, the leader of a small Christian party in northern Lebanon with close ties to former Syrian President Bashar Assad. However, on Wednesday, Frangieh announced he had withdrawn from the race and endorsed Aoun, clearing the way for the army chief, reports AP.

Randa Slim, a senior fellow at the Washington, D.C.-based Middle East Institute, said that the military and political weakening of Hezbollah following its war with Israel and the fall of its ally, Assad, in Syria, along with international pressure to elect a president paved the way for Thursday’s result.

Here's everything you need to know about Aoun and his impact on Lebanon

• Joseph Aoun is Lebanon's army commander and now the country’s president.
• He is the fifth former army commander to assume Lebanon's presidency.
• Appointed army chief in March 2017, his term was extended twice during the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
• Aoun has kept a low profile, avoiding media appearances and never formally announced his candidacy.

Election Details

Lebanon’s parliament elected Aoun after a two-year presidential vacancy. In the first round of voting, Aoun received 71 of 128 votes, short of the two-thirds majority needed. He secured 99 votes in the second round, surpassing the two-thirds requirement due to constitutional rules.

International and Domestic Backing

• Aoun was widely seen as the preferred candidate of the United States, Saudi Arabia, and European countries.
• Hezbollah initially backed another candidate but shifted support to Aoun.
• His election followed international pressure and Hezbollah’s weakened position after a 14-month conflict with Israel.

Challenges Ahead

• Lebanon is grappling with its sixth year of economic and financial crisis, including a decimated currency, limited electricity, and widespread poverty.
• Aoun will face the task of implementing the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire agreement and securing international funds for reconstruction.
• He will rely heavily on advisors for economic matters, given his military background.

Importance of US Support

The backing from the US, Saudi Arabia, and European nations is seen as a key factor in Aoun’s ability to push for reforms and navigate domestic political challenges.

(With inputs from AP)