On the eve of the 80th Independence Day, the issue of the Army Command remains prominent. It is expected that communications will intensify after the holiday, and the Strong Republic bloc will continue its meetings aimed at this purpose. Political sources familiar with the matter told "Al-Liwaa" that the opposition's move to postpone the retirement of the Army Commander, particularly by the Strong Republic bloc, is anticipated to yield results in this context, especially after the bloc's position received support from the Maronite Patriarch, who reiterated his rejection of any changes in the Army Command before the election of a President. In their meeting yesterday, they converged on this point specifically.
Sources within the Strong Republic bloc stated that no one can dictate any directions to the Patriarch of Bkerke, and that his stance on the Army Command and the extension of General Joseph Aoun's term is firm, emphasizing that their meeting was for the sake of national interest. It is understood that the intention of the "Lebanese Forces" team is to push for the extension, regardless of the cost.
Regarding the fate of the options concerning the Army Command, when General Joseph Aoun is retired, matters remain fluid with multiple directions. These include the postponement of retirement, which requires the approval of the Minister of Defense, although it is argued that the Council of Ministers can settle the position as a collective body, or an extension for a year for both the rank of Major General and Brigadier, or proceeding with a proposal that the Free Patriotic Movement is attempting to implement, which is to appoint the highest-ranking officer, Brigadier Saliba, as a legal solution.
For this purpose, a delegation from the Strong Republic bloc (Lebanese Forces) visited Bkerke, discussing the internal situation with the Maronite Patriarch, the developments in the south, and the possibilities of a vacancy in military leadership. Deputy Pierre Abi Assi, speaking on behalf of the delegation, stated that in light of the explosive situation in Lebanon, changing the leadership of the Army is not permissible, nor is it appropriate to appoint a new commander in the absence of a President for the Republic, calling for a non-political Army Commander with experience.
