Lebanon Appoints New Army Chief and Security Leaders to Strengthen State Authority

Lebanon appointed a new military leadership as part of efforts to enhance state authority post-conflict with Israel. The political landscape has shifted significantly following the election of President Joseph Aoun and a new government. Additionally, the country plans to bolster its military personnel, enhancing security in the south and addressing territorial disputes with Israel.

The Lebanese government has appointed a new army chief and heads of three security agencies as part of its efforts to reinforce state authority, particularly in the southern regions, following a recent war involving Hezbollah and Israel. These appointments come in the wake of overcoming a protracted political stalemate which resulted in 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 brokered by the United States was implemented in late November, ending nearly 14 months of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, which escalated after a deadly incursion in early October. The conflict saw both sides engaged in extensive military exchanges that developed into a large-scale war last September.

In conjunction with these military appointments, President Aoun announced the release of five Lebanese nationals held by Israeli forces during the conflict, achieved through indirect negotiations. Morgan Ortagus, the former U.S. deputy special envoy for the Middle East, expressed optimism about Lebanon and Israel resolving their remaining territorial disputes.

The new appointments include General Rudolph Haikal as army chief; Brigadier General Edgar Lawandos as head of State Security; Brigadier General Hassan Choucair as head of General Security; and Brigadier General Raed Abdullah as head of Internal Security Forces. Additionally, Lebanon plans to recruit 4,500 soldiers this year to bolster its military presence in the south.

Lebanon’s recent appointments of military and security leaders aim to strengthen state authority and military presence, particularly following the conflict with Israel. The release of Lebanese detainees and ongoing efforts to resolve territorial disputes with Israel underscore the government’s focus on security and stability. These developments reflect a significant shift in Lebanon’s political landscape after a long-standing deadlock.

Original Source: apnews.com