Lebanon has appointed a new army chief and heads of security agencies to strengthen state authority, particularly in the south, following a conflict with Israel. These appointments follow the election of President Joseph Aoun and aim to enhance military presence in the region. Five detained Lebanese have been released, signaling strides in negotiations with Israel.
On Thursday, Lebanon appointed a new army chief and leaders of three security agencies, reinforcing government authority, particularly in the southern regions post-conflict. This decision was made after Lebanese political factions ended a two-year deadlock, electing President Joseph Aoun, a former army chief, and forming a new government under Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.
These appointments come in the wake of a US-brokered ceasefire that brought an end to nearly 14 months of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. The conflict escalated following Hezbollah’s rocket attacks on Israel starting October 8, 2023, after a violent incursion by Hamas into southern Israel, which provoked Israeli shelling and airstrikes.
In his announcement, President Aoun revealed that five Lebanese nationals, captured by Israeli forces during the conflict, had been released following indirect negotiations. Morgan Ortagus, former deputy special envoy for the Middle East, commented that these individuals included both soldiers and civilians, expressing optimism regarding resolution of territorial disputes between Lebanon and Israel.
The newly appointed officials include Gen. Rudolph Haikal as army chief, Brig. Gen. Edgar Lawandos as head of State Security, Brig. Gen. Hassan Choucair as head of General Security, and Brig. Gen. Raed Abdullah as head of Internal Security Forces. Additionally, Lebanon plans to recruit 4,500 soldiers this year to bolster military presence in the southern region.
The recent appointments of military and security leaders in Lebanon reflect a strategic effort to bolster state authority following significant conflict. This, coupled with the release of detained Lebanese nationals and future military recruitment plans, underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing stability and security in the region. As Lebanon navigates post-conflict dynamics, efforts to address territorial disputes with Israel remain critical to facilitating long-term peace.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
