Hezbollah, one of Lebanon's most powerful political players, has been significantly weakened by its conflict with Israel.

The kingdom is wasting no time filling the void in the Middle East left by a crippled Iran, which has seen its proxies destroyed, its enemies emboldened and its regional influence decimated.

The Middle East Forum, a conservative nonprofit focused on Islamic issues, has described Al-Husainy as “a radical anti-Semitic, pro-Hezbollah Shia imam” with “a significant history of

Then, a Saudi delegation headed by the kingdom’s envoy, Prince Yazid bin Farhan, flew into Beirut for the second time in a week. It held a blitz of meetings with various political parties. By the time they left, there was only one candidate left: the US-backed Aoun.

With top general’s election, the United States and Saudi Arabia aim to draw Lebanon further from Iran. To do that, a new government has to convince Hezbollah that their days of armed resistance are over.

In Riyadh meeting, US and Saudi Arabia agreed they had 'once in thirty-year opportunity' to sideline Hezbollah with election of new president

The Presidency is reserved for a Maronite Christian in the country's sectarian power-sharing system and has been vacant since Michel Aoun's term ended in October 2022.

The new president, Joseph Aoun, is a favorite of America, France, and Saudi Arabia. He even gets a cautious endorsement from Israel amid skepticism

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called President Joseph Aoun to congratulate him on his election as President of Lebanon and to invite him to visit Saudi Arabia. Aoun welcomed the Saudi invitation,

Lebanon’s parliament is set to convene Thursday to attempt to elect a head of state for the 13th time during a presidential vacuum of over two years

In a phone call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who had called to congratulate him on winning the elections, Aoun said, “Saudi Arabia would be the first destination in his visits abroad”

Chances of the ceasefire deal unravelling after the hostage-for-prisoner exchange is completed are high. What happens after that is uncertain. Who controls Gaza? Is there a chance for permanent peace?