Lebanon's President Aoun is expected to face significant challenges in implementing reforms required for a bail-out package from the IMF, despite having the backing of key international partners such as Saudi Arabia, the US and Europe. To navigate these challenges, Aoun will need to balance his relationships with various domestic stakeholders, including Hezbollah, a militant group turned political party with a strong base of support. As he lacks experience in economic matters, Aoun is likely to rely heavily on his advisors for guidance.
https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-parliament-president-joseph-aoun-hezbollah-942ce2e5d5619f072c8b23850ebce7b5Lebanon's parliament elected General Joseph Aoun as head of state, replacing the vacant presidency, in a move that reflects the waning influence of the Iran-backed Hezbollah group following its conflict with Israel. The decision received approval from the US, indicating a shift in power dynamics in Lebanon.
https://reason.com/2025/01/09/a-failed-state/Lebanon's parliament elected army chief Joseph Aoun as the country's new head of state on Thursday, ending a two-year deadlock. The election is seen as a step towards reviving government institutions and securing international aid for Lebanon's struggling economy. Aoun, who enjoys US approval, secured 99 votes in a second round of voting after failing to reach the required threshold in the first round. The election reflects shifts in the power balance in Lebanon and the wider Middle East, with Hezbollah's influence diminished following its devastating war with Israel last year.
https://www.scmp.com/news/world/middle-east/article/3294117/lebanons-parliament-elects-army-chief-joseph-aoun-president-breaking-2-year-deadlock?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionLebanon's political stalemate has led to a caretaker administration with limited powers, exacerbating the country's economic collapse and poverty rate of over 80%. The lack of leadership has hindered Lebanon's ability to secure international financial aid and implement critical reforms. Joseph Aoun, a 60-year-old army commander since 2017, is widely regarded as the leading candidate for president, backed by key domestic and international players including the US and Saudi Arabia. Notably, Hezbollah has signalled its approval of Aoun's candidacy, marking a potential shift in Lebanon's political dynamics.
https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/will-lebanon-army-chief-joseph-aoun-become-new-president-13851294.htmlFrench President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the election of Lebanese army chief Joseph Aoun as president, calling it an opportunity for reform and restoration of Lebanon's sovereignty and prosperity. Aoun faces significant challenges, including overseeing a ceasefire in south Lebanon and naming a prime minister to lead reforms demanded by international creditors to address the country's worst economic crisis in history. He is seen as the preferred pick of the United States and Saudi Arabia, and is perceived as best placed to maintain the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Aoun has vowed to call for parliamentary consultations on naming a new prime minister and to ensure the state maintains control over arms.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40341946/macron-welcomes-crucial-election-of-new-lebanon-presidentLebanon has elected Michel Aoun as its new president after a second round of voting, with 99 out of 128 votes in his favor. The election comes after a dozen previous attempts were unsuccessful due to tensions between the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement and its opponents. International pressure had mounted for a successful outcome ahead of a ceasefire deadline to deploy Lebanese troops alongside U.N. peacekeepers in south Lebanon. Aoun, who is widely seen as the preferred pick of the United States and Saudi Arabia, received support from Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, who expressed hope that the election would contribute to stability and good neighborly relations.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/lebanon-army-chief-set-to-become-president-in-second-parliament-vote-204521Lebanon's parliament has elected Michel Aoun as its new president in a move seen as a crucial step towards reviving government institutions in the country, which has been without a head of state since Aoun left office. The election comes as Lebanon is in dire need of international support to rebuild from the devastating financial collapse in 2019 and an estimated $8.5 billion war with Israel. As president, Aoun will play a key role in shoring up a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel brokered by Washington and Paris in November, which requires the Lebanese military to deploy into south Lebanon as Israeli troops withdraw forces.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40341936/lebanons-army-chief-elected-president-showing-regional-shiftsUS Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited France as part of a tour to consult with European allies on Syria and meet with Pope Francis. The visit is significant for Blinken, who has a personal connection to France where he spent part of his childhood and speaks fluent French. The trip marks a turnaround in relations between the US and France, which were strained after the US forged an alliance with Britain and Australia that resulted in the cancellation of a lucrative contract for French submarines. Blinken praised France's role in addressing hotspots such as the Middle East, particularly its work on a ceasefire in Lebanon following Israel's attack on Hezbollah. He also commended France's training of Ukrainian troops as an example of burden-sharing, saying it will be essential for Ukraine's defense and independence in the months to come.
https://www.montanarightnow.com/national_news/blinken-swats-away-trump-bombast-in-france-swan-song/article_7daf01e4-da1b-5231-92f0-08c4d7c670fe.htmlThe US government is redirecting $100 million in military aid from Israel and Egypt to support the Lebanese army and government, as part of efforts to maintain a ceasefire agreement brokered by the US between Israel and Hezbollah. The funds, totaling $95 million for Egypt and $7.5 million for Israel, will be transferred to the Lebanese Armed Forces, which have played a key role in maintaining peace in southern and eastern Lebanon since an agreement was reached last November after a two-month war.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/940009-us-redirects-100-million-in-military-aid-to-lebanon-to-support-ceasefire