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Israeli Army, Shin Bet Discuss ‘Worst-Case Scenarios’ in West Bank

An Israeli security officer stands guard as Muslim worshipers pass through a checkpoint near the Asbat Gate in Jerusalem to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for Friday prayers
An Israeli security officer stands guard as Muslim worshipers pass through a checkpoint near the Asbat Gate in Jerusalem to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for Friday prayers
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Israeli Army, Shin Bet Discuss ‘Worst-Case Scenarios’ in West Bank

An Israeli security officer stands guard as Muslim worshipers pass through a checkpoint near the Asbat Gate in Jerusalem to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for Friday prayers
An Israeli security officer stands guard as Muslim worshipers pass through a checkpoint near the Asbat Gate in Jerusalem to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for Friday prayers

Israeli security forces in Tel Aviv, along with the army and Shin Bet, are discussing worst-case scenarios and making plans for potential dangers during Ramadan.

With no ceasefire in Gaza and the Israeli government hesitating to take decisive action, concerns about escalation are rising.

The worst-case scenarios, according to Israeli security, involve a major security outbreak in the West Bank and Jerusalem, possibly leading to a third Intifada or uprising.

Reports from Palestinians in East Jerusalem’s Old City suggest heightened security measures, particularly around Al-Aqsa Mosque, with increased patrols, surveillance, and checkpoints.

Israeli authorities are still controlling the number of Muslims allowed to pray at al-Aqsa Mosque compound during Ramadan, while Jews continue to have access with police protection.

They’re also considering a plan to restrict West Bank residents from entering and reduce the number of Muslim visitors from East Jerusalem and Israeli citizens during this month.

Palestinian Minister of Religious Affairs Sheikh Hatem Al-Bakri stated that Israeli forces entered Al-Aqsa Mosque 20 times last February and prevented the call to prayer at the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron 44 times.

He mentioned daily incursions by settlers at Al-Aqsa, tighter restrictions on Palestinians entering, constant identity checks, and detentions of worshippers.

The Palestinian minister clarified that the actions against Al-Aqsa aren’t about security but are aimed at undermining Palestinians’ religious rights.

Regarding other religious sites, he mentioned settlers damaging a mosque in Masafir Yatta near Hebron, vandalizing its contents, and stealing equipment.

Al-Bakri also noted Israeli forces raiding a mosque in the village of Al-Majaz in Masafir Yatta, causing destruction and desecration.

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Arab World

Lebanese Govt Completes Security Appointments Based on ‘Experience and Competence

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun confers the rank of “General” on the new Army Commander, Rodolphe Haikal (AP).
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun confers the rank of “General” on the new Army Commander, Rodolphe Haikal (AP).
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Lebanese Govt Completes Security Appointments Based on ‘Experience and Competence

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun confers the rank of “General” on the new Army Commander, Rodolphe Haikal (AP).
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun confers the rank of “General” on the new Army Commander, Rodolphe Haikal (AP).

The Lebanese government has finalized military and security appointments in a single move, selecting candidates based on “experience and competence,” according to Minister of Information Paul Morcos.
The new appointments include Brigadier General Rodolphe Haikal as Commander of the Army, following his promotion to the rank of “General”; Brigadier General Hassan Choucair as Director General of General Security, after being promoted to “Major General”; Brigadier General Raed Abdullah as Director General of the Internal Security Forces, also after his promotion to “Major General”; and Brigadier General Edgar Lawand as Director General of State Security, following his elevation to “Major General.” Additionally, Brigadier General Mourched Hajj Sleiman has been appointed Deputy Director General of State Security.
Morcos emphasized that these military and security appointments were made based on experience and competence, adding: “We, in the Council of Ministers, work with great precision, ensuring strict adherence to standards and qualifications.”
President Joseph Aoun stated that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation “stressed the urgent need to appoint a new Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon and highlighted the importance of passing banking secrecy legislation, which still requires further amendments, as well as restructuring the banking sector.”
During the cabinet session, Aoun briefed the government on his meeting with a delegation from the IMF, revealing that “a committee has been formed, chaired by the Minister of Finance and including the Minister of Economy, the acting Governor of the Central Bank, two advisors, and the Prime Minister’s advisor, Lamia Moubayed, to follow up on the issues raised by the delegation.”
The president added: “The IMF underscored the importance of reaching an agreement with the Fund before the summer, given previous unsuccessful attempts, and stressed the need for cooperation among all relevant Lebanese authorities.”
“The key to restoring confidence in Lebanon—both domestically and internationally—is implementing economic, banking, and financial reforms,” he remarked.
The IMF delegation also reiterated the necessity of appointing a new Central Bank Governor and establishing a centralized data center for all sections of the Ministry of Finance. Furthermore, they stressed the need to pass two key laws: one addressing banking secrecy, which still requires additional amendments despite recent changes, and another focused on restructuring the banking sector.
Regarding recent developments in Syria, Aoun stated that security agencies, along with the Ministries of Interior and Defense, are closely monitoring the situation to ensure full readiness. He also announced that following the release of four Lebanese prisoners previously detained by Israel during the recent conflict, “the fifth prisoner was released on Thursday as a result of indirect negotiations.”
Army Commander
Army Commander General Rodolphe Haikal enlisted as an officer cadet and joined the Military Academy in 1990. He steadily rose through the ranks and held various assignments before being appointed in 2023 as Commander of the South Litani Sector along the border with Israel. Since the summer of 2024, he has served as Director of Operations in the Army Staff for Operations.