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Israeli Army Prepares for ‘War Scenario’ in West Bank over Annexation

This photo taken from the E1 corridor, a super-sensitive area of the occupied West Bank, shows the Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim, Palestine, June 16, 2020. (AFP)
This photo taken from the E1 corridor, a super-sensitive area of the occupied West Bank, shows the Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim, Palestine, June 16, 2020. (AFP)
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Israeli Army Prepares for ‘War Scenario’ in West Bank over Annexation

This photo taken from the E1 corridor, a super-sensitive area of the occupied West Bank, shows the Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim, Palestine, June 16, 2020. (AFP)
This photo taken from the E1 corridor, a super-sensitive area of the occupied West Bank, shows the Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim, Palestine, June 16, 2020. (AFP)

Even though the Israeli military command has complained that details of the West Bank annexation plan have been kept from it, it has decided to stage “war scenario” drills aimed at tackling the expected Palestinian fallout from the controversial move.

A wave of Palestinian protests is expected, especially in the West Bank, whose territories will be targeted in the annexation.

The drill will take place on Monday with the participation of the military and intelligence as they envisage masse Palestinian protests and rallies. They will also be aimed at preparing themselves against possible violent attacks, such stabbings or shootings, against Israeli settlers and soldiers in occupied regions.

Military sources said the Palestinian leaderships are preparing a strong response to the annexation.

A senior Israeli officer said the Palestinian Authority has been exerting strenuous efforts on the political front and is seeking to develop relations with Russia and France.

It is also aiming to garner backing from Germany, which has been vocal in rejecting the annexation.

He noted, however, that the PA has not been preparing any form of violent retaliation.

The problem lies in the Hamas and Islamic Jihad groups, which are not controlled by the PA, he said.

Lone individuals may also carry out attacks that may evolve into civil disobedience, which could pave the way for a third intifada that would distract the Israeli military from greater concerns on the northern fronts with Syria and Lebanon, he added.

Israel captured the West Bank, along with East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, in a 1967 war. Palestinians hope to establish a state in those areas and say the peace blueprint announced by President Donald Trump in January kills that prospect.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to extend sovereignty to Jewish settlements and the Jordan Valley in the West Bank in line with the peace proposal.

Netanyahu’s new government is due to begin discussing the de facto annexation on July 1, but it is unclear whether Israel’s main ally, the United States, would greenlight the step.

His annexation pledges have raised stiff opposition from the Palestinians, Arab countries and European nations.

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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.