Lebanon Appoints New Army Chief, Security Heads Amid Political Shift

Lebanon has appointed new military and security leaders, including Gen. Rudolph Haikal as army chief, as part of efforts to strengthen state authority following a recent conflict with Hezbollah. This decision comes after the election of President Joseph Aoun, a former army chief, and the formation of a new government under Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, marking an end to a two-year political deadlock. The appointments are seen as crucial in the aftermath of a US-brokered ceasefire that ended 14 months of fighting between Hezbollah and Israel. The government also plans to recruit 4,500 soldiers to bolster military presence in the southern region, which has been particularly volatile. The recent shifts in leadership and military strategy aim to restore stability and facilitate necessary reforms to unlock international aid for Lebanon's economic recovery. The release of five Lebanese detainees during the conflict has also been highlighted as a positive development in ongoing negotiations.