Government Poised to Approve Extension for Aoun, with Hezbollah and PSP Opting Out of Vote

The upcoming Cabinet session on Friday is set to address the proposed six-month extension of Army Chief General Joseph Aoun’s tenure, an issue expected to be brought up outside the usual agenda, as reported by a media outlet on Thursday.

This discussion is to be based on a legal analysis crafted by Judge Mahmoud Makiyyeh, the Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers, as stated by al-Akhbar newspaper.

The article suggests that the Cabinet is likely to approve the delay in General Aoun’s retirement. However, ministers from Hezbollah and the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) are anticipated to withhold their votes.

While the postponement might receive approval, the article notes that this does not guarantee its immediate implementation. This is due to potential actions by the Free Patriotic Movement, which might challenge the decision at the State Shoura Council. Additionally, they might request Defense Minister Maurice Slim to delegate the army commander’s duties to the highest-ranking officer until a new commander is appointed.

In a related report, Asharq al-Awsat newspaper indicated that the extension is unlikely to be finalized in Thursday’s parliamentary session. According to sources from Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri’s parliamentary bloc, Berri plans to convene another session following the Cabinet meeting.

The sources added that Berri has prepared measures to ensure the extension’s approval. If the Cabinet does not succeed in this, the parliament is prepared to undertake the responsibility in its subsequent session, offering reassurance about the extension’s likelihood.