Joseph Aoun Elected President of Lebanon

Lebanon has elected Joseph Aoun as its new president, ending a two-year presidential vacuum. Aoun, a former army commander, faces immediate challenges, including appointing a new prime minister and addressing the pressing crises stemming from the Israeli ceasefire agreement. In his inaugural speech, he emphasized the need for state authority over arms and pledged to rebuild war-torn areas, signaling a shift in Lebanon's political landscape, particularly in diminishing Hezbollah's influence. The United Nations Secretary-General congratulated Aoun and called for the swift formation of a government to meet the Lebanese people's needs. Former President Michel Aoun visited to extend blessings to the new president, while international reactions included positive remarks from Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and US ambassador Lisa Johnson. This election reflects changing power dynamics in the region, with a potential revival of Saudi influence in Lebanon.