Lebanese Army Chief Joseph Aoun issued a warning Thursday of possible security incidents during the presidential vacancy that started on Nov. 1 after the end of Michel Aoun's mandate.

Parliament has repeatedly failed to elect Aoun's successor, and the country's cabinet has been in caretaker status since May. Lebanon, therefore, finds itself in an unprecedented total executive vacancy.

"The country's entry into a period of presidential vacancy, along with the ongoing political tensions, could lead to attempts to exploit the situation in order to undermine security," said Joseph Aoun in a speech delivered in Yarze.

He insisted that the troops "are not concerned with these political tensions and do not take sides," adding that their "only concern is to ensure stability and civil peace."

"We will not allow the exploitation of the situation and the transformation of our nation into an open field for any security incident or suspicious actions," the army chief added, calling on the Lebanese citizens to "remain aware" and "not to let themselves be exploited."

He continued: "The security situation is under control, and the protection of Lebanon is our responsibility. We have never accepted any breach of security in the past and we will never accept it in the future.”

Joseph Aoun assured that the army "will continue its missions to protect Lebanon, its people, its security and stability.”

Before leaving office, Michel Aoun signed a decree pushing for the revocation of the appointment of Prime Minister Nagib Mikati, opening the door to scenarios of constitutional chaos. But Parliament decided Thursday that the outgoing cabinet can continue to manage current affairs.

Joseph Aoun's name was previously circulated as a potential presidential candidate, but the army chief never announced his candidacy.

The next parliamentary electoral session will be held on Nov. 10.