Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar warmly welcomed the election of Joseph Aoun as Lebanon's president in a Thursday X/Twitter post.
"I congratulate Lebanon on electing a new president after a prolonged political crisis," Sa'ar stated in the post.
I congratulate Lebanon upon the election of a new President, following a lengthy political crisis. I hope that this choice will contribute towards stability, a better future for Lebanon and its people and to good neighborly relations.
— Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) January 9, 2025
"I hope that the election will contribute to strengthening stability, a better future for Lebanon and its residents, and good neighborliness," he added.
Shortly afterward, Israeli state broadcaster KAN News reported that National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi had told Israeli ministers not to address the appointment in any public statements.
'Election shouldn't be addressed'
"The election of the president in Lebanon is an internal event and should not be addressed," KAN quoted Hanegbi as saying.
I congratulate Lebanon upon the election of a new President, following a lengthy political crisis. I hope that this choice will contribute towards stability, a better future for Lebanon and its people and to good neighborly relations.
— Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) January 9, 2025
The congratulations came after Lebanese lawmakers elected army chief Aoun for the position to fill the vacant presidency.