Antoun el-Fata, "Akhbar al-Yawm" agency

Shaping Lebanon's Future: Security Challenges and Leadership Decisions

Nader: Waiting for the New Government's Structure, monitoring performance, and judging later

The coming stages in Lebanon must undoubtedly witness a qualitative leap in both security and military domains, not just on the ground but also in decision-making related to security and the military. These decisions must maintain their independence while respecting Lebanese necessities and international requirements simultaneously.

Following the presidential elections, Lebanon now faces another pivotal milestone: appointing a new army commander during an unconventional period, after a phase marked by significant military and security changes in the country and the region.  

President-elect Joseph Aoun has pledged to affirm the state's exclusive right to bear arms, vowing to enhance the efficiency of security agencies and to discuss a strategic defense policy that would enable Lebanon to fully liberate its territories from Israeli occupation. He also emphasized the importance of everyone adhering to the rule of law, with no smuggling activities, drug trade, or security breaches. 

Retired Brigadier General George Nader stated that the current phase is neither one for absolute optimism nor pessimism. Instead, we must wait for results, assess performance, and observe the makeup of the new government and whether its ministerial statement will be based on the "Army, People, and Resistance" formula or something else. He also questioned the role of political parties that participated in the presidential session in shaping the government’s agenda.  

In an interview with "Akhbar Al-Yawm" agency, Nader noted that a new army commander will be appointed in the future. The new commander is expected to continue the army’s mission and implement Resolution 1701, as stipulated in the ceasefire agreement, which includes monitoring borders, preventing human and arms smuggling, dismantling Hezbollah’s infrastructure south and north of the Litani River, and enforcing Resolution 1559 to disarm all armed groups. He emphasized that the new army leadership must pursue these tasks.

Nader stressed the importance of caution in these current circumstances, awaiting the new government’s performance. He highlighted that, for now, Hezbollah continues to assert its strength, claiming that resistance is necessary to defend the country and that the ceasefire agreement applies only to areas south of the Litani. 

Nader also warned of the emotional nature of Arab societies, which often lack rational decision-making. He explained that this tendency prevents progress, contrasting it with the rationality of Western societies, which have managed to dominate the world with their logic.  

In conclusion, Nader underscored the importance of waiting for the formation of the new government, its policies, and its performance before passing judgment. He noted that Lebanon might end up with the best government in the world, capable of implementing international resolutions and taking the right steps—or it could end up with a poor-performing one. Hence, it is too early to form any definitive opinions.