Israeli military leadership shakeup: Netanyahu set to replace IDF chief

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to replace the Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Herzl Halevi, before the end of the 60-day ceasefire with Lebanon. 

According to two sources from state-run broadcaster Kan, the resignation of the Chief of Staff is intended to take responsibility for the military leadership's mistakes during the October 7, 2023, attack by the Hamas militant group on Israel, Caliber.Az reports.

The sources also indicated that the decision had the support of Defence Minister Israel Katz.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have imposed restrictions on civilian movement in southern Lebanon and prohibited residents of over 60 villages from returning to their homes in the border zone. This was announced by IDF spokesperson Avichai Adraee on X (formerly Twitter).

Civilians are prohibited from moving south of an imaginary line connecting ten Lebanese settlements along the border with Israel. The statement emphasized that those who violate this restriction will put themselves in danger.

Additionally, the Israeli army published a list of more than 60 Lebanese villages, forbidding their residents from returning to their homes.

The Northern Command of the IDF has authorized mayors of border towns to begin reconstruction work. According to reports, Major General Ori Gordian, head of the IDF's Northern Command, gave the order in a meeting with the mayors. He also stated that the army is reinforcing border defences and constructing new outposts.

The conflict has resulted in the destruction of over 400 homes, with an additional 500 homes, requiring significant repairs.

Over 60,000 Israeli residents from northern Israel were forced to leave their homes due to the fighting between Israel and the Shiite movement Hezbollah. According to Israel's Channel 12, they will not be asked to return until February 1, 2025. The Ynet news portal reported that after their return, the authorities will provide financial compensation.

Meanwhile, Major General Jasper Jeffers, the Commander of Special Operations Forces for US Central Command (CENTCOM), arrived in Beirut as co-chair of the international mechanism overseeing the implementation of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon. 

He was accompanied by US Special Envoy Amos Hochstein, who will temporarily serve as co-chair of the international mission representing the US government until Washington appoints a permanent representative.

The international mechanism monitoring the ceasefire will also include representatives from the Israel Defense Forces, the Lebanese Armed Forces, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and France.

The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon came into effect on November 27, under the US-French initiative. The document outlines the deployment of the Lebanese army along the southern border with the support of UNIFIL, while Israel will begin gradually withdrawing its forces from Southern Lebanon over the next 60 days.

By Tamilla Hasanova