Joseph Aoun Elected Lebanon's President, Ending Two-Year Leadership Void

The former army chief faces the challenge of postwar reconstruction, economic recovery, and navigating Lebanon's complex political landscape.

Joseph Aoun, a nonpartisan former army commander, was elected Lebanon's president, receiving broad parliamentary support from rival factions, including Hezbollah.
His election follows a two-year vacancy in the presidency and coincides with Lebanon's fragile ceasefire agreement with Israel, requiring the military to secure southern territories.
Aoun's leadership is seen as critical for implementing reforms to address Lebanon's severe economic crisis and unlocking international aid for reconstruction efforts.
Despite his reputation for impartiality, Aoun's election has drawn criticism over constitutional concerns and allegations of foreign influence from the United States and Saudi Arabia.
In his inaugural address, Aoun pledged to rebuild war-damaged regions, revive Lebanon's banking sector, and work toward consolidating state control over arms, indirectly addressing Hezbollah's arsenal.