The discussion surrounding avoiding a vacancy in Lebanese military leadership has expanded. Initially focused solely on a legislative or technical extension for Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, it has now shifted to appointing a new Chief of Staff to replace the Army Commander to prevent vacancy, or to appoint members of the military council within the government since the commander should not operate in isolation from the council, which represents all components and provides strong support for major decisions.
The situation does not end there; some deputies have called for addressing the vacancy to include not only the imminent vacancy of General Joseph Aoun but also other security leaders, including the Director-General of Internal Security Forces, Major General Imad Othman. This political-parliamentary-governmental movement arises after it became clear that points of contention remain unresolved, as evidenced by the cancellation of yesterday's cabinet session, despite the technical extension not being on the agenda.
According to a ministerial source, the solution within the cabinet is not as easy as some may think, clarifying to "Al-Liwaa" that this issue threatens the convening of the cabinet for reasons beyond the extension alone. Political sources familiar with the matter explained to "Al-Liwaa" that the file of postponing the Army Commander’s retirement underwent its first test, as it was expected to be discussed in the preparatory meeting within the government yesterday; however, the lack of a quorum led to its postponement, indicating a need for a climate of consensus. This has been demonstrated by the data available.
These sources believe that passing the extension will not be easy, as any decision from the government requires the approval of the Minister of Defense. They pointed out that the dilemma lies in ensuring the constitutional legitimacy of the decision and the Christian cover for any solution. As for convening a legislative session for the purpose of extending the Army Commander’s term, the call for it rests with the Speaker of the House, who is still hesitant to make a decision.
With the postponement of the session, leaks increased about the fate of conflicting proposals if the cabinet proceeds to decide on the continuation of General Aoun in his position. Sources from the Grand Serail indicated that the Secretary-General of the Cabinet, Mahmoud Makiyeh, prepared a legal study concerning the possible solutions to prevent a vacancy in the Lebanese army leadership, the most viable of which is the technical extension for General Aoun. However, sources revealed that in light of Defense Minister Maurice Slim's objections, considering that delaying Aoun's retirement is a decision that emerges from him as Minister of Defense, President Najib Mikati is maneuvering between two extremes, avoiding haste while being keen to prevent a leadership vacuum in the army.
Meanwhile, in an attempt to hide behind the position of the "duo" represented by Hezbollah, Aoun's circles circulated, aside from the fundamental rejection from the Free Patriotic Movement regarding Aoun's extension, reports from March 8 sources (referring to Hezbollah without naming it) indicating that the option of extending Aoun's term has become a thing of the past; the remaining choices are: entrusting the highest-ranking officer (referring to Brigadier General Pierre Saab) or appointing a Chief of Staff to take command until the presidential vacancy is filled, or conducting comprehensive appointments (Army Commander, Chief of Staff, and members of the military council).
It is noteworthy that Hezbollah's minister in the government, Mustafa Bireem, clarified that the issue of extending the Army Commander has not been raised with Hezbollah ministers, adding, "Everything in its time." During the meeting between a delegation from the "Strong Republic" headed by MP Ghassan Hasbani and the head of the Democratic Gathering, Taymour Jumblatt, the discussion touched on supporting the Lebanese Forces' proposal to extend the General's rank through legislation in the parliament, with Jumblatt endorsing the proposal and calling for pressure to also appoint a Chief of Staff. It was understood that centrist deputies wished to amend the proposal for the extension to cover all security leaders, including Major General Imad Othman, the Director-General of Internal Security Forces. According to a "Force" source, this matter cannot be included in the proposal for extending the rank of General, as Major General Othman is set to retire next May, and the urgency does not apply to him.
