US Seeks New Lebanese President Amid Hezbollah Weakness

The U.S. aims to capitalize on the recent Israeli airstrikes that weakened Hezbollah to facilitate the election of a new Lebanese president, as the country has been without a president for nearly two years, exacerbating its political and economic crisis. Following the death of Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah and other key commanders, U.S. officials believe this presents a unique opportunity to diminish Hezbollah's influence in Lebanese politics. General Joseph Aoun, the commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, is being promoted as a candidate for the presidency, supported by the U.S. and France. The Biden administration prioritizes electing a new president over negotiating a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, emphasizing the urgency of breaking the political deadlock. Lebanon's political system, which is sectarian, has faced challenges due to Hezbollah's previous obstruction of non-aligned candidates. The U.S. and its allies have been mediating for two years to resolve the impasse but have encountered significant resistance from Hezbollah.