As the date of January 10 approaches, the political "conflict" regarding the mechanism for the extension of Army Commander General Joseph Aoun intensifies. Prime Minister Najib Mikati refers the matter to Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri, who in turn returns it to him. Sources suggest that Berri is waiting to call a session of the House to discuss the military leadership vacancy, hoping that the government can secure consensus and resolve the obstacles preventing the extension of the Army Commander. According to Al-Anba news, Berri is delaying the call for a Bureau meeting because he does not want to bypass the government, giving it all possible time before moving to resolve the matter in the council.
On another note, the Cabinet can delay the retirement of the Army Commander alone; however, if it comes to the Parliament, the matter will not be limited to the Army Commander as there are demands from significant parliamentary blocs to extend the delay in retirement for all military and security leaders, potentially leading to an amendment of the Defense Law. Visitors of Prime Minister Najib Mikati reported that he will address the issue with utmost care, demonstrating full concern for the military institution and avoiding any upheavals. Meanwhile, Speaker Nabih Berri indicated that the government must fulfill its duty in this regard despite the difficulties.
