General Joseph Aoun, the commander of the Lebanese Army, is widely recognized as the foremost contender for the nation’s highest political position. His candidacy emerges at a critical juncture, as Lebanon has been devoid of a head of state since former President Michel Aoun concluded his term on October 31, 2022. This absence has resulted in a nearly two-year presidential vacancy, setting the stage for the forthcoming presidential election.
Initially scheduled to retire on January 10, 2025, General Joseph Khalil Aoun’s tenure has been extended by an additional year due to a parliamentary decision. This extension enables him to retain his influential role during this vital period in Lebanon’s political landscape.
Why it matters
Lebanon’s parliament is gathering on Thursday for its 13th attempt to elect the 14th head of state during a presidential vacuum that has persisted for over two years. In the absence of a president, Lebanon has been functioning under a transitional government. Many Lebanese citizens view the army, under the leadership of General Joseph Aoun, as a pillar of stability.
Alongside General Joseph Aoun, other candidates include Jihad Azour, a notable official at the International Monetary Fund, and Elias El Baissary, the acting chief of Lebanon’s General Security agency. Nevertheless, it appears that both domestic and international backing provide General Aoun with a distinct advantage in the race for the presidency.
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has indicated that an amendment to the constitution would be required for Aoun to assume the presidency, as current regulations prohibit a serving state official from becoming head of state.
About Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun
General Joseph Aoun has been at the helm of the Lebanese Army since March 8, 2017, succeeding General Jean Kahwaji. He has established strong ties with the United States, having undergone extensive military and counterterrorism training there. His military journey began as a volunteer in 1983, and he has since completed numerous military courses, including an officers’ course in 1986, a diving course in 1987, and a senior officer’s course in 1996. In 2013, he participated in a workshop focused on intelligence and counterterrorism, along with various training programs abroad, particularly in the United States. He completed two infantry courses in 1988 and 1995 and later took part in the International Program for Counter-Terrorism Policy between 2008 and 2009.
Additionally, he attended a demolition course in Syria in 1996 and a battalion commanders’ course in Syria from 2002 to 2003. In 2015, General Aoun was appointed as the commander of the 9th Brigade stationed in southern Lebanon, and in 2016, he was reassigned to the eastern sector along the Syrian border, where he addressed the threat posed by ISIS.
Throughout his military career, General Joseph Aoun has received numerous medals and decorations. His name is closely associated with two significant events in the eyes of the Lebanese populace: first, the Fajr al-Joroud battle, which he successfully led against hundreds of ISIS militants in 2017 in eastern Lebanon near the Syrian border; second, his relentless campaign against corruption within the military establishment, which he has managed to uphold as one of the few resilient institutions in a nation facing systemic collapse.
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Commitment to integrity
Since assuming command of the army in 2017, General Joseph Aoun has launched a comprehensive initiative to combat corruption within the military, affecting numerous personnel. His reputation as an anti-corruption advocate has significantly bolstered his standing as a credible leader capable of guiding the country away from collapse.
Following the catastrophic 2020 explosion at the port of Beirut, Lebanon’s allied nations redirected their aid to the military, affirming their trust in the army for distribution. Consequently, all aid—totaling tens of millions of dollars—was allocated directly to the military and was managed under General Aoun’s oversight. It appears that the military establishment has efficiently utilized these funds without facing shortages linked to corruption.
Promotions of Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun
Throughout his military career, General Joseph Aoun has achieved several significant promotions, including:
- Enrolled in the Army as a cadet officer and joined the Military Academy starting 19/05/1983.
- Promoted to the rank of Lieutenant starting 06/05/1985.
- Promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant starting 01/07/1988.
- Promoted to the rank of Captain starting 01/01/1993.
- Promoted to the rank of Major starting 01/01/1998.
- Promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel starting 01/01/2003.
- Promoted to the rank of Colonel P.S.C starting 01/07/2007.
- Promoted to the rank of Brigadier General P.S.C starting 01/07/2013.
- He was promoted to the rank of General and was appointed as the Armed Forces Commander on 8/3/2017.
Academic qualifications
Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun possesses an impressive academic background, holding a degree in political science with a focus on international relations, as well as a university degree in military sciences.
Personal life of Joseph Aoun
In addition to his native Arabic, Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun is fluent in both French and English. On a personal note, he is married to Mrs. Neemat Nehme, and they have two children, Khalil and Nour, along with several grandchildren.
In an interview with Lebanon’s Army magazine in April 2020, Neemat Aoun described her partner’s devotion to the military institution as akin to having a “second wife.” She emphasized that he devoted his personal life to the nation while she managed substantial responsibilities in their everyday life.
Historical context of military leadership
Historically, military leaders have attained the presidency in Lebanon, starting with Fouad Shehab, who served from 1958 to 1964 and implemented significant reforms to improve the country’s situation. Two additional military figures who became presidents are Emile Lahoud (1998-2007) and Michel Sleiman (2008-2014).
