Laith Al-Jnaidi and Mohammad Sio
02 September 2026•Update: 02 September 2026
Maj. Gen. Majdi Mohammed Hammad al-Harasis has emerged as one of the prominent figures in Jordan’s military establishment in recent years, culminating in his appointment as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff by royal decree Tuesday.
Al-Harasis succeeded Gen. 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.
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. A royal decree on Sept. 2, 2026, promoted him to major general and appointed him army chief.
Military intelligence experience
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 the 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.
