The Lebanese Parliament is just hours away from a crucial presidential election, yet uncertainty looms over the outcome of the session, which remains scheduled with no possibility of postponement. The session could pave the way for consecutive rounds of voting to elect a president by a simple majority of 65 MPs. However, questions persist about whether Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, acting on behalf of his ally Hezbollah, might demonstrate flexibility by amending the constitution to facilitate the election of Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, who has emerged as a leading contender in the presidential race.

The possibility of amending the constitution to enable General Aoun’s election is currently impeded by Speaker Berri’s insistence that such a move requires the approval of two-thirds of Parliament—86 MPs. This stance was reportedly reaffirmed during a meeting between Berri and U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein. Meanwhile, Hochstein, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea, held discussions with MPs from various parliamentary blocs. Notably absent from these discussions were MPs aligned with Hezbollah, the Marada Movement, and declared presidential candidates. The meeting was organized by MP Fouad Makhzoumi, who hosted a breakfast in Hochstein’s honor.

During the meeting, Hochstein emphasized the importance of electing a president who meets the qualifications outlined by the "Quintet Committee," which has been actively working to resolve Lebanon’s political and economic crises. According to Hochstein, the next president must be capable of leading Lebanon toward recovery and fulfilling international commitments, including Resolution 1701, which governs the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.

Hochstein acknowledged that General Aoun embodies many of these qualifications, praising his leadership of the Lebanese Army during unprecedented crises. He highlighted Aoun’s ability to maintain stability, his credibility within the international community, and his pivotal role in bolstering U.S.-Lebanese military cooperation. Despite this recognition, Hochstein refrained from endorsing any specific candidate, stressing that the decision ultimately lies with Lebanon’s MPs. He added that the nature and extent of international support would depend on whether the elected president aligns with regional and global expectations.

Discussions also delved into the implementation of Resolution 1701, which mandates Israel’s withdrawal to the Blue Line and the deployment of the Lebanese Army to Naqoura, supported by UNIFIL forces. Hochstein confirmed that the Lebanese Army is prepared for this deployment and that Israel is expected to complete its withdrawal after the 60-day period outlined in the ceasefire agreement expires later this month.

However, logistical challenges have slowed the process. Hochstein attributed the delay partly to the redeployment of Lebanese Army units to the Syrian border following recent security developments in the aftermath of the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. This redeployment aims to secure the border and prevent terrorist infiltration into Lebanon.

Hochstein reiterated that Resolution 1701 calls for exclusive state control over weapons across all Lebanese territories, not just areas south of the Litani River. He cautioned against misinterpreting the resolution’s scope, emphasizing that full compliance is critical to maintaining stability.

The U.S. envoy also addressed Hezbollah’s extensive military infrastructure, including underground tunnels near Israel’s northern border. He revealed that Israel has destroyed several of these tunnels, some located just 50 meters from its territory. Hochstein expressed concern over the billions of dollars Hezbollah has invested in weapons and military projects, arguing that these resources could have been better allocated to improving living conditions in areas under its influence. Such investment, he suggested, might have mitigated widespread destruction and reduced the human toll during conflicts.

Hochstein stressed that Hezbollah must adapt to the shifting regional landscape and recognize that Lebanon is entering a new political phase. He asserted that implementing Resolution 1701 would be a priority for Lebanon’s next president, as the resolution enjoys broad support among the Lebanese public and international stakeholders.

“The party must recognize the changing tides and align itself with Lebanon’s commitment to sovereignty and stability,” Hochstein remarked. He added that the Quintet Committee would closely monitor the outcome of the election before committing to specific forms of assistance.

This article is an adaptation of an Arabic piece published by Asharq Al-Awsat.