Lebanon has appointed new security chiefs, moving away from Hezbollah’s influence, aiming for reforms to restore confidence. Key leaders include Gen. Rudolph Haykal (army chief) and Brig. Gen. Raed Abdullah (Internal Security Forces). The government faces vacancies in essential sectors while dealing with border disputes and prisoner issues with Israel. President Aoun has emphasized accountability and the urgency of economic reforms.
The Lebanese government has recently appointed new security chiefs, marking a notable shift away from Hezbollah’s influence. Appointed officials include Gen. Rudolph Haykal as army chief, Brig. Gen. Hassan Choucair as head of general security, Brig. Gen. Raed Abdullah as head of Internal Security Forces, and Brig. Gen. Edgar Lawandos as the head of the agency for state security. Notably, some key positions, such as that of the central bank governor, remain vacant, impacting crucial sectors of governance.
Brig. Morshed Suleiman, nominated by Hezbollah and the Amal Movement for the general security position, was instead appointed as deputy director general of state security after the President and Prime Minister rejected the proposal. President Joseph Aoun, who led the Cabinet meeting, expressed confidence in the professional backgrounds of the newly appointed leaders but emphasized their accountability.
Aoun highlighted the necessity of restoring internal and external confidence in Lebanon, linking it to reforms in various sectors, including economic and banking. He reported the urgency communicated by an International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation, which specified prerequisites such as appointing a new central bank governor and implementing significant legislative changes.
The President acknowledged that the security apparatus was on heightened alert regarding developments in neighboring Syria. Following their appointments, the new leaders visited the Presidential Palace for discussions with President Aoun about their forthcoming responsibilities.
Gen. Rudolph Haykal, who has a background in various military leadership roles, is expected to address challenges relating to the army’s deployment along southern borders and enhance collaboration with United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Hassan Choucair has experience in counterterrorism operations and will coordinate various security agencies.
Brig. Gen. Raed Abdullah brings extensive operational leadership in handling security issues in Lebanon, and Brig. Gen. Edgar Lawandos has been involved in the implementation of ceasefire agreements. On a related note, a Lebanese soldier, Ziad Chebli, was released by the Israeli army following negotiations, underscoring ongoing tensions in the region.
Deputy Premier Tarek Mitri reaffirmed Lebanon’s position of not normalizing relations with Israel amidst ongoing border dispute discussions. The country aims to establish working committees focusing on various contentious issues including the occupation of territory and the status of prisoners.
The recent appointments of new security leaders in Lebanon underline a deliberate effort by the government to minimize Hezbollah’s influence in national security matters. The government has emphasized the importance of accountability among the new chiefs and remains focused on restoring confidence in the nation’s institutions. Additionally, the continued negotiations regarding prisoner exchanges and border disputes highlight the ongoing complexities Lebanon faces in its relations with Israel. Overall, the path forward entails tackling significant reforms and maintaining national security amidst regional challenges.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
