A Royal Decree has been issued, appointing Major General Majdi Al Harasis (photo) as Chairman of the Jordanian Joint Chiefs of Staff, as of 2 September 2026.

A Royal Decree has also been issued promoting Al Harasis from the rank of Brigadier General to the rank of Major General, as of 2 September 2026, according to a Royal Court statement.

Two other Royal Decrees have been issued, one promoting Major General Yousef Huneiti to the rank of Lieutenant General, and another referring him to retirement as of 2 September 2026.

Major General Majdi Mohammed Hammad Al Harasis thus succeeds General Yousef Huneiti, taking command of the Jordanian Armed Forces at a sensitive stage as the Kingdom seeks to safeguard security and stability. Huneiti retired after nearly seven years in the post.

His appointment reflects King Abdullah II’s confidence in a senior military and intelligence figure with extensive experience in handling security challenges and stability, Andalou Agency (AA) reported.

Al Harasis has risen through various ranks and leadership positions within the Jordanian Armed Forces.

He was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in June 2021 before advancing through the military command structure.

In August 2022, Al Harasis was appointed director of the General Intelligence Directorate’s military intelligence branch, where he oversaw sensitive security and strategic files.

Under his leadership, the directorate played a key role in protecting Jordanian borders, combating infiltration and smuggling operations and managing security partnerships with international partners.

That experience positioned Al Harasis as one of the Kingdom’s prominent officials with expertise in complex security issues and regional challenges surrounding Jordan.

In a royal letter issued on the occasion of his appointment, King Abdullah praised his career, describing him as a “loyal soldier and distinguished officer in the Hashemite Arab Army.”

The King outlined the priorities for Al Harasis’ tenure, calling on him to “continue efforts to restructure the armed forces, develop the capabilities of the Arab Army and modernize its tools.”

King Abdullah also stressed the need to confront emerging challenges and threats with the highest levels of efficiency, while giving military personnel full attention and care and strengthening their capabilities.

Al-Harasis’ appointment is part of Jordan’s continued efforts to modernize and develop its Armed Forces, particularly in strengthening combat capabilities and advancing military technology and intelligence capacities.

His Majesty King Abdullah, the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army, also sent a letter to retired Lt. General Yousef Huneiti, in which he thanked him for his efforts during his tenure as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, according to a Royal Court statement.

“You have undertaken the responsibility of chairing the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army for several years, during which you have been a devoted soldier for our dear Jordan.

You worked during the difficult circumstances facing our region to bolster the capabilities of our brave Armed Forces, in order to enable them to continue their role as a shield for the homeland.

You also worked to implement our directives to modernise, develop and restructure our Armed Forces, in order to face current and future threats, while ensuring institutionalism in dealing with various emerging developments that could face the Arab Army.

I extend my deep thanks and appreciation for your dedicated efforts and exceptional performance, and wish you continued success,” the statement said. (Sources: Royal Court; AA; Photo © General Command of Jordanian Armed Forces)