Parliament to convene Thursday to approve extension of Army Commander's term

Lebanon's Parliament will convene Thursday to approve a law extending the term of Army Commander Joseph Aoun, who is set to retire on Jan. 10, 2025, following a prior extension enacted in late 2023.

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri is signaling alignment with international actors, particularly the U.S., which has been pressing for Aoun's retention in light of the post-war period. The army is expected to play a pivotal role in implementing U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for Hezbollah's withdrawal from areas south of the Litani River.

Most local stakeholders appear to support the extension, though Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) leader Gebran Bassil, a critic of Aoun, is likely to challenge the move in the Constitutional Council, as he did in 2023.

Streamlined agenda

Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab announced the session after a parliamentary bureau meeting at Ain al-Tineh. “The session will take place Thursday to discuss urgent legislative proposals,” Bou Saab said, adding that the agenda was reduced due to the country's circumstances.

The session will focus on five items, down from the 17 initially expected. These include extending the mandates of the military and security chiefs, prolonging the terms of the Higher Judicial Council members, and adjusting judicial and administrative deadlines. Proposals to extend deadlines under the public procurement code and tax capital gains from revaluing assets at the new exchange rate will also be discussed.

FPM opposition and Western pressure

FPM MP Ghassan Atallah criticized the push to extend Aoun’s term, stating, “It is shameful to claim the military institution depends on one individual, depriving other officers of their right to ascend.” He also accused Western powers of pressuring Lebanon, saying, “Those who opposed Iranian interference now yield to Western demands to keep Joseph Aoun in office.”

A parliamentary source noted that while Berri’s relationship with Aoun has been inconsistent, Western pressure ultimately swayed him to hold the session.

Broad support despite opposition

Despite FPM opposition, the session is expected to proceed, supported by MPs from the Lebanese Forces, Kataeb, Progressive Socialist Party, independents, National Moderation Bloc (formerly Hariri’s bloc), Amal, Hezbollah and allied groups. Preparations are underway to present a unified proposal extending the terms of security chiefs for one year.

This mirrors last year’s scenario, where legislation passed despite objections, underscoring a consensus among key political forces on the necessity of maintaining stability in Lebanon’s military leadership during this critical period.  

Joseph Aoun presque assuré d’une seconde prorogation