Lebanon's prolonged presidential impasse has entered a crucial phase, with Saudi Arabia making its first formal comments on the issue just days before the highly anticipated parliamentary session on January 9. Saudi envoy Prince Yazid bin Farhan, during a discreet visit to Beirut, held a series of meetings with key political figures, signaling potential shifts in the country's deadlocked presidential race.

According to parliamentary sources cited by Al-Jadeed, the Saudi envoy expressed interest in endorsing Army Commander General Joseph Aoun for the presidency during a meeting in Ain el-Tineh. This was the first time Riyadh indicated its preference. Sources noted that bin Farhan subtly conveyed this stance and later reaffirmed it during separate meetings with Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea and Free Patriotic Movement head Gebran Bassil.

However, Speaker Nabih Berri reportedly responded by pointing out that an amendment to the Constitution—necessary for General Aoun's election—would require 86 parliamentary votes, a threshold that remains out of reach.

Discussions on alternative candidates were not disclosed.

After his meeting with Berri, the Saudi envoy met with Sunni MPs in Yarzeh, where he emphasized Saudi Arabia's longstanding support for Lebanon. He stressed the Kingdom's desire to help Lebanon regain full sovereignty and functionality, including the election of a new president.

While the envoy refrained from naming or endorsing specific candidates, he highlighted the importance of electing a president who embodies the desired leadership qualities.

"If the Lebanese want us to collaborate and engage with them, they now know the characteristics of their next president," he reportedly told MPs, also noting that Saudi Arabia would find it difficult to work with a president chosen through traditional methods of compromise and power-sharing.

The Saudi envoy reassured MPs that coordination among the Quintet countries—Saudi Arabia, France, the United States, Qatar, and Egypt—remains strong. He specifically mentioned Qatar's active involvement in discussions about Lebanon's political future.

Though reluctant to explicitly name candidates, parliamentary sources suggested that bin Farhan’s description of the ideal president aligned with General Aoun’s profile. However, Sunni MPs pointed to significant obstacles to Aoun’s candidacy, including opposition from the Shiite duo, the Lebanese Forces, and Bassil.

In Maarab, bin Farhan met with Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, who reiterated his rejection of General Aoun's candidacy. He also held discussions with MP Gebran Bassil and Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rahi.

Initially expected to conclude his visit earlier, bin Farhan has decided to extend his stay in Beirut until Sunday to consult further with political blocs.

On Sunday, the envoy is scheduled to meet with independent MPs and members of the Change bloc to broaden consultations.

Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon, Walid Bukhari, is expected to return to Beirut in the coming days with a clearer stance, possibly including a specific presidential endorsement.