Lebanon has appointed a new army chief and heads of three security agencies to strengthen state authority in the south post-Hezbollah-Israel conflict. This follows the election of a new president and government. Five detained Lebanese nationals have been released, and Lebanon plans to recruit 4,500 soldiers.
Lebanon has appointed a new army chief and leaders of three security agencies with the aim of strengthening state authority, particularly in the southern region, following recent hostilities involving Hezbollah and Israel. These appointments were made in the context of overcoming a two-year political gridlock, leading to the election of President Joseph Aoun—a former army chief—and the formation of a new government led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.
A ceasefire mediated by the United States has been in effect since late November, ending 14 months of conflict that began when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel on October 8, 2023. This escalation was triggered by a deadly Hamas-led incursion into southern Israel, prompting a strong military response from Israel. The situation evolved into a comprehensive war last September.
In conjunction with the new appointments, President Aoun announced that five Lebanese nationals detained by Israeli forces during the conflict were released following indirect negotiations. Morgan Ortagus, former Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East, noted that these individuals included a mix of soldiers and civilians, expressing optimism that Lebanon and Israel would resolve existing territorial disputes.
The newly appointed officials consist of Gen. Rudolph Haikal as army chief, Brig. Gen. Edgar Lawandos as the head of the State Security agency, Brig. Gen. Hassan Choucair as the head of General Security, and Brig. Gen. Raed Abdullah as the head of Internal Security Forces. Additionally, Lebanon plans to recruit 4,500 soldiers this year to bolster its military presence in the southern region.
In summary, Lebanon’s recent appointments of a new army chief and key security officials reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening state authority following a tumultuous period of conflict. The elections of President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam signal a renewed political landscape aimed at enhancing stability. Furthermore, Lebanon’s military efforts, including the recruitment of thousands of soldiers, strive to secure the country amid ongoing tensions with Israel.
Original Source: apnews.com
