Lebanon has appointed a new army chief, Gen. Rudolph Haikal, and leaders of three security agencies to strengthen state authority, particularly in the southern area after the Hezbollah-Israel war. These appointments come after a political resolution, alongside the release of five Lebanese nationals held by Israeli troops. The country plans to recruit 4,500 soldiers to enhance its military presence.
On Thursday, Lebanon appointed a new army chief and heads of three major security agencies in an effort to strengthen state authority, particularly in the southern region post the Hezbollah-Israel conflict. This move follows a political breakthrough in January, which ended a two-year stalemate and saw Joseph Aoun, a former army chief, elected as president alongside the formation of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s government.
The backdrop for these appointments includes a U.S.-brokered ceasefire established in late November, which concluded nearly 14 months of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. The conflict escalated following a Hamas-led incursion into southern Israel in early October, prompting Israel to retaliate with major military actions in Lebanon.
In conjunction with the leadership changes, President Joseph Aoun announced the release of five Lebanese nationals detained by Israeli forces during the conflict, facilitated by indirect negotiations. Morgan Ortagus, former deputy special envoy for the Middle East, confirmed the release involved a mix of military personnel and civilians, expressing optimism regarding Lebanon and Israel resolving territorial disputes.
The newly appointed officials include General Rudolph Haikal as army chief; Brigadier General Edgar Lawandos as head of the State Security agency; Brigadier General Hassan Choucair as head of General Security; and Brigadier General Raed Abdullah as head of Internal Security Forces. To bolster military capacities, Lebanon also plans to recruit 4,500 soldiers this year, enhancing its military presence in the southern sector.
Lebanon’s recent appointments of military and security leaders signify a critical effort to reinforce state authority amidst ongoing challenges from the Hezbollah-Israel conflict. With new leadership in place and the recruitment of additional military personnel, the Lebanese government aims to stabilize the country and solidify its presence in the volatile southern region.
Original Source: apnews.com
