Kahwaji, a Maronite Christian, has undergone training in the US, Germany and Italy [AFP]

The decision on Friday was taken during a government session at the presidential palace.

Tareq Mitri, the Lebanese information minister, speaking at the end of the cabinet meeting, said: "The Council of Ministers decided to appoint General Jean Kahwaji to the post of chief of the Lebanese army."

Kahwaji, married with three children and a Maronite Christian, has headed the army's 12th Infantry Brigade since 2002.

He has undergone specialised military training abroad, including in the United States, Germany and Italy.

Differences between the US-backed parliamentary majority and an alliance of opposition groups led by Hezbollah, a Shia organisation, had delayed the appointment of a new army commander.

General Shawki al-Masri, the army's chief of staff, has been acting as head of the army since Sleiman was elected president on May 25.

Observers say the 60,000-strong army has become more of a peacekeeping unit than an offensive force.

Strengthening the army has been part of US policy towards Lebanon.

Since 2006, Washington says it has committed more than $410 million in security assistance to the army, including training, vehicles and ammunition.

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