Constitutional Council dismisses appeal against army chief's term extension

The Constitutional Council on Wednesday held a session at its headquarters without managing to reach a decision on the appeal filed by the Free Patriotic Movement against the recent extension of the army chief’s term, which means that the extension will not be annulled, the National News Agency said.

Parliament had extended the army chief's mandate on December 15, averting a military power vacuum as the country faces spillover of the Israel-Hamas war without a president or a fully functioning government.

Army chief Joseph Aoun was set to retire on January 10, while the second most senior military position is already vacant.

Lebanon has been without a president for more than a year and its government is operating in a caretaker capacity as political deadlock paralyzes decision-making.

Around 80,000 Lebanese serve in the army, which is seen as a key pillar of the country's stability.