The Cabinet is set to hold a session tomorrow, which will not address the issue of military leadership. The agenda distributed to ministers includes 17 items, primarily focusing on financial and employment matters concerning legislative projects such as a loan agreement between Lebanon and the World Bank for the implementation of the second additional project for the "Aman" network and the reform of banks, as well as a project related to the specifics of applying penalties related to income tax and value-added tax, in addition to projects authorized by the President concerning employment matters and security forces.
Political sources informed "Al-Liwaa" that the Cabinet, which is reconvening on Wednesday, might discuss the leadership vacancy in the army, especially if approached from the perspective of the legal study prepared by the Secretary-General of the Cabinet concerning passing an extension by the government. However, ministerial sources indicated that this issue would not be included to prevent any discrepancies or accusations against the government of making decisions deemed unconstitutional, especially as it lacks the signature of Defense Minister Maurice Slim. These sources noted that this file has been the focus of discussions regarding alternatives to be proposed if the government fails in this area, with the primary entry point being the parliamentary council, as suggested by reports and legal studies.
As for the presidential file, according to the sources, it is entering a new phase of activity through the French gate, with the French presidential envoy possibly adopting a new approach based on a series of data, although everything is linked to the atmosphere surrounding the visit.
A source in the "Public Administration Employees Gathering" anticipated that the Cabinet would discuss in tomorrow's session what needs to be provided for employees to enable them to fulfill their roles, with a minimum amount of $700.
With the deadline approaching for Army Commander General Joseph Aoun to retire, no new developments have emerged regarding filling the vacancy in light of each party's firm stance, whether among Christian factions or other relevant officials. As the end of the month nears, it has been relayed again from President Berri that there are only two options to fill the vacancy in the military institution: extending the current commander or appointing a new one, rejecting what could be termed a third option or assigning another senior officer.
According to Agriculture Minister Abbas Al-Haj Hassan, the handling of the anticipated vacancy in army leadership has not matured yet and requires further consultations, stating that if a solution cannot be found in government, reliance on an extension in the parliamentary council is anticipated.
On another note, "An-Nahar" reported that the session of the Cabinet would include, outside of the agenda, a request for a six-month extension for Acting General Director of General Security, Major General Elias Bissari, at the request of Interior and Municipalities Minister Bassam Mawlawi. This step comes ahead of Bissari's retirement scheduled for December 3.
While it has become certain that the option of appointing a new commander has been completely withdrawn from circulation, this file is expected to continue towards resolution by delaying the retirement of the army commander, whether in a Cabinet session or in a legislative session held by the parliament at the beginning of next month, which will be scheduled after a meeting called by the council president for the parliamentary bureau. Ministerial sources indicated through "Al-Joumhouria" that this matter might be raised in the Cabinet session that the caretaker prime minister will soon convene, provided that a quorum for the session is achieved.
