Signs of a possible international initiative are becoming clearer as the beginning of the upcoming year approaches. International players are well aware that local forces are incapable of fulfilling the presidential requirement without their intervention, reflecting a "Lebanonization" of the matter—especially since the presidential elections have been postponed until after the festive holidays, particularly given the lack of a scheduled date for the eleventh session.
In this context, there have been reports that Qatar will take a presidential initiative in coordination with France, having made all efforts to open a channel regarding the issue regionally. French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit Beirut on December 24, as officially notified by the French embassy to the Lebanese government. It is also known that he will meet with several Lebanese officials. Afterwards, he will head to the location of the French battalion operating under international forces in southern Lebanon to spend Christmas Eve with the unit's officers and soldiers.
According to sources for "Akhbar Al-Yawm," President Macron is expected to propose the name of Army Commander Joseph Aoun and argue that the regional moment has arrived to elect a president. Meanwhile, the Qataris will approach the topic of Aoun's presidency through intermediaries from local powers—including "Hezbollah"—by way of an international settlement, emphasizing that he will not be a confrontational president; he seeks calm in the country rather than conflict, though it should be noted that this mission may not be easy.
On the other hand, observers note that Hezbollah is leaning towards endorsing a centrist candidate, namely General Aoun, showing that it is unable to facilitate the ascent of its strategic ally, former Minister Sleiman Franjieh, to the presidency due to obstacles arising from within its own ranks. Furthermore, there is a belief among local forces that Aoun will not repeat the experience of former President Michel Suleiman. Observers add that Hezbollah is aware of the growing discussions concerning General Aoun in external political circles, which are advancing at a rapid pace, especially since the military institution earns the respect of all factions, and Aoun has often contributed to resolving internal crises, representing a guarantee of security and political stability.
