Lebanon's parliament has elected Joseph Aoun as the country's new president, ending a more than two-year-long presidential vacuum. Aoun, the army commander, was chosen as the head of state following a ceasefire agreement that halted a 14-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The United States and Saudi Arabia supported Aoun, who received 71 votes in the first round and 99 votes in the second round of voting.
Hezbollah initially backed another candidate, Suleiman Frangieh, who later withdrew from the race, paving the way for Aoun's election. The political weakening of Hezbollah and international pressure played a significant role in Thursday's outcome. Lebanon's sectarian power-sharing system often leads to deadlock, with the country experiencing extended presidential vacancies in the past.
