Aoun's mission: Integrating Lebanon in the IMEC and Abraham Market

Israel and the US are seeking to recreate the West Bank experience in Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah in pursuit of expanding Israeli territories into Lebanon and beyond.

On 9 January 2025, Joseph Aoun was elected President of Lebanon, ending a two-year political stalemate. In his inaugural speech to parliament following his victory, the former commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) outlined his vision for Lebanon’s future, focusing on critical issues such as economic recovery, foreign relations, and the country’s security. This piece highlights the economic and foreign relations dimensions of President Aoun’s speech and their implications for the broader geopolitical landscape in the Middle East. Based on our analysis, Israel and the US are seeking to recreate the West Bank experience in Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah in pursuit of expanding Israeli territories into Lebanon and beyond, as per Trump’s vision for Israel.

Addressing Lebanon’s Economic Crisis

President Aoun addressed one of the country’s most significant challenges: the extensive Israeli-led damage in Southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley. He attributed this devastation to Israeli aggression and vowed to implement reforms to tackle the worsening economic crisis, which he described as a crisis of governance. Aoun stressed the importance of dismantling criminal networks, including smuggling, money laundering, and drug trafficking, while ensuring there would be no interference in the judiciary or police. Tacitly, Aoun was referencing Hezbollah’s activities. He also committed to reforming the prison system.

The President pledged to preserve a free economy and individual ownership, ensuring banks operate with governance and transparency under the law. He vowed to protect public funds and strengthen social safety nets, particularly social security and health services. He emphasised the importance of environmental preservation and investment in science and private education. Another economic measure Aoun mentioned was engaging Lebanese expatriates by implementing new electoral laws aimed at increasing their representation. Such measures, it is argued, aim to undermine Hezbollah’s standing in Lebanese society as aid and reconstruction are made conditional by the Gulf and the West on that.

Integrating into the IMEC and Abraham Market: Aoun’s Foreign Policy Commitment