Lebanon has appointed new military leadership amid efforts to strengthen state authority after conflicts with Hezbollah, coinciding with a recent political breakthrough and a ceasefire with Israel. Notably, the government plans to recruit additional soldiers to enhance military presence in the southern region.
Lebanon has recently appointed a new army chief and heads of three security agencies, reinforcing state authority in the country, especially in the southern regions following conflicts with Hezbollah. This move follows a political breakthrough earlier this year, which saw the election of President Joseph Aoun and the formation of a government led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.
The political changes coincide with a ceasefire brokered by the U.S., which ended 14 months of conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. This fighting escalated after an incursion by Hamas into southern Israel prompted retaliatory measures from Israel that included shelling and airstrikes on Lebanese territory.
In addition to leadership changes, President Aoun confirmed the release of five Lebanese nationals detained by Israel during hostilities, indicating that negotiations played a role in their release. Morgan Ortagus, a former deputy special envoy for the Middle East, expressed optimism about resolving territorial disputes between Lebanon and Israel.
The new leadership appointments are as follows: Gen. Rudolph Haikal as army chief, Brig. Gen. Edgar Lawandos leading the State Security agency, Brig. Gen. Hassan Choucair heading General Security, and Brig. Gen. Raed Abdullah leading Internal Security Forces. Furthermore, Lebanon plans to recruit 4,500 soldiers this year to bolster military presence in the southern region.
The recent appointments in Lebanon’s military and security sectors are aimed at stabilizing state authority amid ongoing regional tensions. The new leaders take charge following a significant political transition, and the release of detainees indicates diplomatic efforts are ongoing. Enhancing military presence in southern Lebanon appears to be a strategic move to maintain peace and security in the region.
Original Source: apnews.com
