This week is crucial regarding the scenario concerning the military leadership file, or the inability to proceed in any direction. The session of the joint committees is expected to reflect a particular parliamentary atmosphere. Informed political sources told Al-Liwaa newspaper that there is anticipation regarding the course of the file, which can no longer be delayed, especially since there are blocs that want to quickly extend the term of Major General Joseph Aoun.
Nazi Metta, a representative of the Strong Republic bloc, clarified that the bloc considers the supreme national interest of the country regarding the extension of the army commander, noting that everyone understands that the interest today requires no vacancy even at the level of military leadership. However, this does not prevent considerations of the items that will be included by the Speaker of the House and his office in the legislative session. He called for waiting for the outcome of the joint committees' session concerning the agenda that will be set, and afterwards, appropriate actions can be taken accordingly, allowing for clear and honest responses.
Former MP Walid Jumblatt was quoted as saying that he informed Hezbollah of his firm rejection of the Chief of Staff taking over the army leadership, and consequently, a new Chief of Staff will not be appointed before the extension of Commander Joseph Aoun. In this atmosphere, the Free Patriotic Movement has remained isolated as the majority of parliamentary blocs lean towards extending General Aoun's tenure in military leadership.
Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rahi accused the Parliament of violating Article 49 of the constitution by not electing a president for the republic, thus persistently undermining constitutional institutions, hindering the work of public administrations, living in a state of chaos, impoverishing the people, forcing them to emigrate from their homeland, and exacerbating the economic, financial, and social crisis.
