How is the army commander chosen in Lebanon? An expert explains
Following the election of General Joseph Aoun as President of the Lebanese Republic, questions arise regarding the mechanism for appointing a new army commander, especially in light of the political challenges Lebanon is witnessing.
The position of army commander in Lebanon is considered one of the most sensitive positions, as it requires broad political consensus given the army’s pivotal role in maintaining stability and national security.
In this regard, the military and strategic expert, Naji Malaeb, explains to Al-Hurra website that the selection of the army commander does not take place until after the formation of the new government.
When asked whether the army commander should be from the Maronite sect, Malaeb said: There is no text in the constitution that specifies the sect or sect of the major positions in the country, whether the president of the republic, the prime minister, or the speaker of the House of Representatives, but it is customary for there to be such quotas.
According to Malaeb, leadership of the army is always given to the Maronite community.
The military expert pointed out an important point, which is that the name chosen to be army commander must be approved by the President of the Republic, and therefore the candidate must necessarily have his approval.
Malaeb pointed out that the Taif Agreement, which ended the civil war in Lebanon, stipulated the abolition of sectarian appointments in weight, with the exception of the first category positions, which included the position of army command.
Regarding the most prominent candidates, Malaeb said: I believe that the Director of Intelligence in the Army, Brigadier General Tony Kahwaji, has good chances of assuming the position as successor to the current president, Joseph Aoun.
Major General Fouad Chehab is considered the first commander of the Lebanese Army after independence, as he assumed the position on August 1, 1945 and continued until September 22, 1958, when he later became President of the Republic.
The Lebanese army includes about 80,000 soldiers, and during the past weeks it began to strengthen its deployment in southern Lebanon as part of the ceasefire agreement with Israel, which entered into force on November 27, and ended more than a year of war between Israel and Hezbollah. (free)
