Lebanon’s parliament has elected army chief Joseph Aoun as president, filling a two-year vacancy and initiating a new phase in the country’s history. Aoun, who emphasized the need for reforms and a comprehensive defense strategy against Israeli actions, aims to form a government capable of addressing Lebanon’s severe economic crisis. His election was supported by a majority of MPs amid international pressure, and he plans to designate a prime minister soon. The country has been in political limbo since the term of predecessor Michel Aoun ended in October 2022.