Hochstein Vows to Attend January 9 Presidential Vote

U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein is set to attend a presidential election session in Lebanon on January 9, as reported by LBCI. According to the media outlet, Hochstein assured Speaker Nabih Berri that he would participate after receiving an invitation during a phone conversation.

Berri had previously announced his intention to invite both Arab and foreign ambassadors to the presidential election session scheduled for that date.

Lebanon has been without a president since Michel Aoun’s term ended in October 2022. The two main political blocs, Hezbollah and its rivals, have been unable to secure a majority or reach a consensus to elect a new president.

Hochstein, along with Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers, co-chairs a committee overseeing a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel. This committee includes representatives from France, the U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon (UNIFIL), as well as Lebanon and Israel.

Hochstein played a central role in mediating a year-long shuttle diplomacy process that led to the ceasefire agreement. His position will be temporary until a permanent civilian co-chair is appointed.