The Lebanese Forces Criticize Mikati Over Alleged Unlawful Efforts to Prolong Aoun’s Tenure through Cabinet Decisions

On Tuesday, the Lebanese Forces highlighted their concerns regarding caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s proposal for a Cabinet session. They interpret this move as a veiled attempt to obstruct the extension of General Joseph Aoun’s term, rather than to facilitate it.

The party, which supports extending Aoun’s term, mentioned that any extension decided in the Cabinet would need the defense minister’s signature. However, it is widely believed that the minister is unlikely to endorse such a decision. The Lebanese Forces warned that a Cabinet-approved extension could be illegal and easily contested, potentially leading to significant disruptions and chaos within the military institution.

Mikati expressed his surprise over the Lebanese Forces’ statement, arguing that extending Aoun’s term for six months through the Cabinet and for a year in parliament are complementary actions with the same end goal.

The pro-Lebanese Forces newspaper Nidaa al-Watan suggested that Thursday’s parliamentary session is unlikely to resolve the extension issue. This is due to an implied agreement between the Shiite Duo and MP Jebran Bassil, who is against the extension. According to this agreement, the session would be deliberately prolonged and adjourned before addressing the extension matter.

Nidaa al-Watan also speculated about an alternative scenario, agreed upon by Mikati, where the Cabinet decides on the extension, only to face a prepared appeal challenging the decision. This tactic, as described by the newspaper, would ostensibly satisfy those advocating for the extension, while simultaneously reneging on previous commitments.

Al-Markazia news agency cited sources close to Mikati, currently in Geneva, suggesting he plans to convene a Cabinet session on Friday to discuss Aoun’s extension. This comes despite the same issue being slated for discussion in Thursday’s parliamentary session.