The Lebanese government has appointed new security chiefs as a significant measure to minimize Hezbollah’s interference. Key appointments include General Rudolph Haykal as army chief and Brigadier General Raed Abdullah as head of Internal Security Forces. President Aoun stressed the necessity for accountability and reforms to restore confidence in Lebanon, while discussions continue regarding Lebanon’s border disputes with Israel and the urgent need for IMF program agreements.
The Lebanese government’s recent appointments of new security chiefs signify a decisive move away from Hezbollah’s influence. The government appointed General Rudolph Haykal as army chief, Brigadier General Hassan Choucair as head of general security, Brigadier General Raed Abdullah as head of Internal Security Forces, and Brigadier General Edgar Lawandos as head of the state security agency. However, there are still vacancies in the leadership of the central bank and within diplomatic and judicial sectors.
Despite Hezbollah and the Amal Movement’s nomination of Brig. Morshed Suleiman for the general security agency, the president and prime minister rebuffed this and appointed him as deputy director general of state security. President Joseph Aoun, presiding over the Cabinet meeting, expressed confidence in the professional backgrounds of the newly appointed leaders and made it clear that these figures would be accountable for their actions, with the Cabinet retaining the authority to dismiss them if necessary.
Aoun emphasized the critical need to restore domestic and international confidence in Lebanon, which requires substantial reforms across various sectors, including economic and financial ones. He relayed a message from the International Monetary Fund, which underlined the urgency of finalizing a program agreement, detailing that several conditions must be met, including appointing a new central bank governor.
The newly appointed security chiefs have exhibited readiness to respond to various challenges. For instance, Haykal, previously army operations director, is tasked with enhancing military capabilities and ensuring national security amidst the backdrop of Syrian developments. Choucair, with experience in the Lebanese Intelligence Directorate, will oversee counterterrorism and operational coordination, while Abdullah brings extensive experience from his leadership role in critical security operations.
Additionally, Lawandos’s prior involvement in monitoring ceasefire compliance further establishes his capacity for this new position. Recently, the Israeli army released Lebanese soldier Ziad Chebli who had been injured and captured, showcasing the ongoing negotiations concerning detainees and border issues between Lebanon and Israel. This was part of indirect negotiations according to President Aoun, who reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to maintaining its position against Israeli encroachments despite pressures to normalize relations.
Moving forward, Lebanon plans to set up three committees aimed at resolving border disputes with Israel while reinforcing national security and facilitating compliance with Resolution 1701. Deputy Premier Tarek Mitri reaffirmed Lebanon’s stance while denouncing any inclination toward accepting Israeli impositions, emphasizing the country’s unwavering position amid ongoing challenges and discussions.
In summary, the recent appointments in Lebanon’s security leadership reflect a strategic shift away from Hezbollah’s influence, demonstrating a commitment to internal reform and national security. President Aoun reiterated the importance of establishing a robust framework for governance and achieving economic stability, all while managing ongoing tensions with Israel. The formation of specialized committees to address unresolved border and prisoner issues illustrates the proactive steps being taken by the Lebanese government to navigate these complex regional challenges.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
