Lebanon has appointed a new army chief, General Rudolph Haikal, and heads of three major security agencies as part of an initiative to reinforce state authority, particularly in the south, following conflicts with Hezbollah and Israel. These changes come after the recent political stabilization with the election of President Joseph Aoun and a new government. Lebanon plans to recruit additional soldiers to enhance military presence in the region.
Lebanon has recently appointed a new army chief, General Rudolph Haikal, along with heads of three key security agencies: Brigadier General Edgar Lawandos for the State Security agency, Brigadier General Hassan Choucair for General Security, and Brigadier General Raed Abdullah for the Internal Security Forces. This initiative is aimed at strengthening state authority, particularly in the southern region following the conflicts involving Hezbollah and Israel.
These appointments follow a significant political development in January when Lebanon’s factions elected President Joseph Aoun, a former army chief, ending a two-year political stalemate. This new leadership aims to consolidate control and restore stability in the wake of recent military confrontations.
A ceasefire brokered by the United States, which took effect in late November, ended nearly 14 months of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. The escalation began on October 8, 2023, after a Hamas-led attack on Israel, leading to a series of retaliatory actions from Israel against Lebanon.
In connection with the newly announced changes, President Aoun revealed the successful release of five Lebanese individuals detained by Israeli forces during the conflicts. Morgan Ortagus, former U.S. deputy special envoy for the Middle East, noted that these individuals included both soldiers and civilians.
In addition to the appointments, Lebanon is set to enhance its military capabilities by recruiting an additional 4,500 soldiers this year. This initiative is part of the strategy to bolster military presence and authority in the southern regions of the country, amidst ongoing challenges.
In conclusion, Lebanon’s recent appointments of a new army chief and heads of security agencies signify a determined effort to restore state authority amidst persistent conflicts. With political stability regained through a new president and government, coupled with military reinforcements, Lebanon aims to navigate the repercussions of past hostilities and strengthen its sovereignty in the southern regions, ensuring improved security and governance.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
