Lebanon Elects a New President After Two Years of Deadlock
In a rare display of bipartisan collaboration, the Biden administration and President-elect Trump’s team worked together to support the election of Gen. Joseph Aoun as Lebanon’s new president.
🔑 Why It Matters:
- Aoun’s victory ended a two-year political stalemate in Lebanon.
- It marked a win for the pro-Western camp and a setback for Hezbollah and other pro-Iranian factions in the region.
How the U.S. Capitalized on Regional Dynamics
The push for Aoun’s presidency followed significant developments in the region:
- Israel’s Assassination of Hezbollah Leader: Hassan Nasrallah’s death weakened the Shia militia group.
- A Ceasefire Agreement: A deal between Israel and Lebanon paved the way for political progress.
📌 Timeline of Events:
- The Lebanese parliament scheduled presidential elections after the ceasefire took effect.
- Behind-the-scenes diplomacy intensified in the weeks leading up to the vote.
A Coordinated Effort Between Allies
Key Players in the U.S. Strategy:
- President Biden’s Envoy, Amos Hochstein: Brokered the ceasefire and lobbied for Aoun.
- National Security Advisers: Jake Sullivan (Biden) and Rep. Mike Waltz (Trump) aligned on strategies.
International Supporters:
- Saudi Arabia: Played a pivotal role, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman leading efforts.
- France and Qatar: Provided additional backing to the initiative.
🔑 Takeaway: This collaboration underscored the shared U.S. and Saudi interest in countering Hezbollah’s influence.
Behind the Scenes: Diplomatic Maneuvers
Hochstein engaged in critical negotiations:
- Meetings with Lebanese Leaders: Spoke with Nabih Berri, Najib Mikati, and Christian party leader Samir Geagea to garner support.
- Convincing Lawmakers: Assured them that electing Aoun aligned with both U.S. and Lebanese interests.
💬 Hochstein’s Remark:
“It is my right to decide how much time the U.S. is going to spend on Lebanon and where it wants to spend its money,” he reportedly told lawmakers.
Key Turning Points in the Election
- Hezbollah’s Candidate Withdraws: Suleiman Frangieh dropped out, clearing the path for Aoun.
- Parliament Vote: Aoun was elected on Thursday after weeks of intense lobbying.
The Role of the Ceasefire Agreement
Under the ceasefire terms:
- Lebanese Armed Forces are tasked with redeploying to southern Lebanon within 60 days.
- Israeli Withdrawal: The Israeli military began pulling out troops, boosting Aoun’s credibility.
📌 Significance:
The ceasefire strengthened Aoun’s position, showcasing the Lebanese military’s capability to maintain stability.
Biden’s Confidence in Aoun
In a statement, President Biden praised Aoun’s leadership:
- “Aoun will provide critical leadership as Lebanon and Israel implement the ceasefire.”
- He expressed confidence in Aoun as the right leader for this pivotal moment.
What’s Next?
- Israeli Withdrawal Deadline: By the end of January, Israeli forces must complete their pullout.
- Increased Pressure: Aoun’s victory will likely heighten calls for Israel to meet the ceasefire terms.
🔑 Expert Insight:
A U.S. official noted, “The Israelis will start receiving the message that they need to get with the program.”
Final Thoughts
The coordinated effort to elect Joseph Aoun underscores the importance of U.S. diplomacy in shaping Middle Eastern politics. With bipartisan support, this milestone serves as a reminder of the impact global alliances can have in resolving political crises.