Joseph Aoun, born on 10 January 1964 in the Sin el-Fil district of Lebanon, is a military officer and state figure. On 9 January 2025, he was elected the 14th President of Lebanon. He served as Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) from 2017 to 2025, leading efforts to ensure the country’s security and political stability during this duration period.

Joseph Aoun – Anadolu Ajansı

Early Life and Education

Joseph Aoun was born into a Maronite Christian family in Sin el-Fil. Publicly available information about his family is limited. Aoun holds academic degrees in political science and military science, and is fluent in English and French. Throughout his education, he participated in various international military training programs. In 2008, he received counterterrorism training at USA.

Military Career

Joseph Aoun joined the Lebanese Army in 1983, at the outset of the Lebanese Civil War. In 2015, he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General and appointed Commander of the 9th Infantry Brigade. The brigade operated first in southern Lebanon and later along the Syrian border, activity. During this assignment, he led operations against escalating security threats in the region.

Commander of the LAF (2017–2025)

March was appointed Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces in 2017. Some key events during his command include:

• Operation Fajr al-Joroud (2017): Aoun oversaw the army’s operation against ISIS elements in the Baalbek region. The operation successfully neutralized militant groups along the Lebanon-Syria border.
• Policy of Neutrality: During the clashes between Israel and Hezbollah from 2023 to 2024, he ensured the army remained neutral, preventing Lebanon’s armed forces from being drawn directly into the conflict.

Under Aoun’s command, the Lebanese Army maintained its capacity through international assistance. The United States has provided over $2.5 billion in support to the Lebanese Army since 2006, playing a critical role in paying soldiers’ salaries, particularly during the economic crisis.

Military Decorations and Honors

• War Medal (3 times)
• Wounded Medal (2 times)
• National Unity Medal
• Southern Dawn Medal
• Silver Grade Military Courage Medal
• Third Class Lebanese Merit Order
• Knight Grade Sedr National Order
• Second Class Lebanese Merit Order
• Officer Grade Sedr National Order
• Counterterrorism Medal
• Silver Grade Military Honor Medal
• First Class Lebanese Merit Order
• Commander of the LAF Commendation (8 times)
• Commander of the LAF Praise (25 times)
• Brigade Commander Commendation (4 times)

Presidency (2025– )

Joseph Aoun was elected president on 9 January 2025 by the Lebanese Parliament, receiving 99 game votes. His election ended a two-year-plus presidential vacuum. Aoun’s selection occurred amid prolonged sectarian and political tensions in Lebanon and was closely watched by the international community.

The presidency coincides with a period of severe political, economic, and security challenges. The economic crisis, a consequence of years of financial collapse, has deeply shaken the country economy. The Lebanese pound has lost the majority of its value, making it difficult to meet basic needs and pushing a significant portion of the population below the poverty line. In addition, the limitation of Hezbollah’s military power and the restoration of the state’s monopoly on arms are among the key issues expected to be addressed during Aoun’s presidency.

Personal Life

Joseph Aoun is married and the father of two child. He leads a low-profile life and reveals little about his private affairs to the media.