Maurice Sleem

Maurice Sleem (Arabic: موريس سليم; born 5 February 1954) is a Lebanese politician who has served as the Minister of National Defense since 10 September 2021, after the formation of the third government of Najib Mikati.^[1] He is a retired Brigadier General in the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Maurice Sleem
موريس سليم
Minister of National Defense
In office 10 September 2021 – 8 February 2025
President	Michel Aoun Joseph Aoun
Prime Minister	Najib Mikati
Preceded by	Zeina Akar
Succeeded by	Michel Menassa
Personal details
Born	(1954-02-05) February 5, 1954 (age 71) Kfarshima, Lebanon
Alma mater	United States Army Command and General Staff College Lebanese University (LLB)
Profession	Politician Military officer
Cabinet	Third Najib Mikati cabinet
Military service
Allegiance	Lebanon
Branch/service	Lebanese Ground Forces
Years of service	1972–2012
Rank	Brigadier General
Commands	Head of Military Medicine

During his 40-year career, he held key posts and staff assignments in Army operational Units. He also worked at the Lebanese Presidency for many years.

He retired from the Army in 2012.^[2]

On 10 August 2023, his vehicle was hit with bullets while he was inside, an incident which was referred to as an assassination attempt by local media. Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi said security services were investigating the incident to determine whether it was caused by indiscriminate gunfire or an attack.^[3]

Decorations and medals

Source:^[2]

• Lebanese Order of Merit 3rd Grade.
• Lebanese Order of Merit 2nd Grade.
• Lebanese Order of Merit 1st Grade.
• National Order of the Cedar Knight Grade.
• National Order of the Cedar Officer Grade.
• National Order of the Cedar Commander Grade.
• War Order (4).
• Order of the “Dawn of the South”.
• Order of Battle Wounded / Purple Heart.
• Order of National Unity.
• Military Valor Order.
• Order of Fight against Terrorism.