Amman, Jordan – The Jordanian Armed Forces published the biography of Major General Majdi Muhammad Hammad Al-Harasis, following a Royal Decree issued by His Majesty King Abdullah II promoting him from the rank of Brigadier General to Major General and appointing him Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, effective September 2, 2026. He will succeed Lieutenant General Yousef Al-Huneiti, who held the position for approximately seven years. This appointment comes at a significant juncture in his distinguished military career. Born in 1971, Al-Harasis joined the armed forces in 1995. Throughout his long career, he held various high-ranking leadership positions, including Senior Operations Officer and Military Observer in Ethiopia. He also served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Weapons, Explosives, and Intelligence in the Military Intelligence Directorate. Additionally, he served as Head of the Counterterrorism Division and Commander of the Joint Intelligence Center. Most recently, he headed the Military Intelligence Directorate and commanded the Royal Jordanian National Defense College.
A distinguished academic career and advanced strategic expertise
The new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff boasts a distinguished academic record, combining military and engineering expertise. He holds a diploma in military science, a bachelor’s degree in computer science, and another in military science. He also possesses a master’s degree in computer engineering and a master’s degree in management and strategic studies. Known for his extensive experience in strategic and security matters, he recently appeared alongside his predecessor, Lieutenant General Huneiti, during an official visit to Washington in the last week of July 2026. During this visit, they met with officials and experts at leading American think tanks to discuss regional developments.
Political and popular reactions and implications of leadership change
The appointment sparked widespread reactions on social media and in political circles. Observers considered Harasis’s unconventional military background, linked to border security, counterterrorism, and intelligence work, to reflect the current political climate. In this context, Jordanian writer and political analyst Maher Abu Tair explained that this change is a natural progression, unrelated to any sudden military developments. He also cited the King’s praise for Huneiti’s efforts and the direct instructions given to Major General Harasis to oversee the restructuring of the armed forces, a process that began at the start of this year.
High honors and national and international accolades
In recognition of his distinguished military career and dedication to serving his country, Major General Majdi Al-Harasis received numerous prestigious medals and decorations throughout his career, most notably the Order of Independence (Second Class), the Military Merit Medal (Second Class), and the King Abdullah II Ibn Al-Hussein Medal of Excellence (First Class). He also received the State Centennial Medal, the Silver Jubilee Medal, the United Nations Medal, the Medal for Participation in International Peacekeeping Forces, and a high national honor from the President of France. In addition, he received awards for his loyal service, training proficiency, and administrative competence.
