Israel Strikes Hezbollah Targets Following Appointment of New Military Chief
Israel recently launched strikes on Hezbollah facilities in Lebanon following the appointment of Brigadier General Rodolphe Haykal as the new military commander. Haykal will oversee UN Resolution 1701 implementation and troop deployment in southern regions. The Lebanese government is increasing military conscription and preparing for border negotiations with Israel, emphasizing military personnel in negotiations.
Israel conducted military strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, specifically focusing on weapons production and storage facilities in the Beqaa Valley. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that these strikes would persist as part of their efforts to eliminate any threats to the State of Israel. Additionally, reports from Lebanon indicated that Israeli attacks reached areas near the Lebanese border with Syria.
In a significant development, Lebanon has appointed Brigadier General Rodolphe Haykal as the new military commander responsible for enforcing UN Resolution 1701 and overseeing the deployment of Lebanese forces to the southern region. Previously, Haykal commanded the area south of the Litani River, where Hezbollah forces are prominently positioned.
Furthermore, the Lebanese government approved the conscription of 4,500 new soldiers to bolster military capabilities. Reports indicate that Defense Minister Michel Menassa plans to expand the army by an additional 1,500 soldiers annually over the next three years, despite acknowledging a current manpower shortage. This expansion aims to strengthen Lebanon’s authority in southern regions.
Recent reports suggest that the Lebanese army will significantly contribute to teams addressing border disputes with Israel. According to Al Akhbar, the Beirut government is awaiting guidance from the United States and France on the composition and coordination of these negotiating teams, favoring military personnel over civilians for these roles.
Additionally, the chairman overseeing cease-fire agreement implementations has issued a serious recommendation for the Lebanese army to take action against Hezbollah’s arms depots situated north of the Litani River, emphasizing the need for prompt measures.
In conclusion, the recent Israeli military strikes on Hezbollah, coupled with the appointment of Brigadier General Rodolphe Haykal as Lebanon’s new military chief, signify escalating tensions in the region. The Lebanese government’s efforts to expand its military forces in response to security challenges and potential border disputes underscore the complexities of the ongoing situation. As Lebanon prepares to engage in negotiations concerning border issues, the role of the Lebanese army will be pivotal moving forward.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
