Latest news with #Leeney
L'Orient-Le Jour
02-05-2025
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
US appoints new cease-fire monitoring committee chair in apparent gesture to Beirut
BEIRUT — The head of the cease-fire monitoring committee, American General Jasper Jeffers, introduced his successor to President Joseph Aoun on Wednesday, during a meeting between the three and U.S. Ambassador Lisa Johnson at Baabda Presidential Palace. A statement from Baabda revealed that the committee, made up of French, American, Lebanese, Israeli and UNIFIL representatives, would now be chaired by CENTCOM Deputy Commander Major General Michael Leeney, who, unlike Jeffers, will fulfill his role from within Lebanon, where he will reside. Jeffers, who is also involved in the States' Yemen operations, will remain involved in the committee as a supervisor and periodically visit Beirut. 'I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in such an important mission, and I am very optimistic about the future," Leeney said, as per a statement from the U.S. embassy, which described Leeney as a "full-time senior U.S. military leader in Beirut." The statement also specifies that Leeney will "work closely with [Lebanese Armed Forces] LAF, UNIFIL, France and the Military Technical Committee for Lebanon to enable the LAF to provide security and fully safeguard Lebanese sovereignty." Israel continues to occupy five points on the Lebanese side of the borderline, claiming the need to maintain military outposts to guard against "threats." The US responds to Lebanese calls for action Sources within Baabda have indicated that Leeney's appointment is seen by the Lebanese heads of state as a gesture from the U.S. of its commitment to ensuring the truce is effectively implemented — at a time when Israel is escalating its attacks on Lebanon in violation of the cease-fire, launching airstrikes with apparent impunity. On Sunday, Israel bombed Beirut's southern suburbs, prompting Lebanese authorities to double down on their insistence that the U.S. curb Israel's violations and pressure it to respect the agreement. The recent tour by U.S. officials and diplomats was intended to respond to Lebanon's calls for intervention as well as to monitor Lebanon's efforts to achieve a monopoly on arms in the country, which it is doing with U.S. support. President Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri coordinated their positions ahead of the visit, agreeing to collectively demand the cessation of Israeli aggression, its withdrawal from Lebanese territory, and the Lebanese Army's further deployment in the South, with the aim of dismantling Hezbollah's military infrastructure and placing its weapons under state control. Stating their case to the U.S. representatives, Aoun, Salam and Berri insisted that Israel's ongoing occupation and continuous attacks undermine the state, even as it has made clear its intentions to acquire all of Hezbollah's weapons. Israeli strikes, particularly on Beirut's southern suburbs and areas near the airport, will have very negative consequences on all sectors in Lebanon. The American delegation reportedly expressed an understanding of the demands and pledged to relaunch the monitoring committee's work to implement the agreement, urging Lebanon to, meanwhile, continue its efforts toward a monopoly on arms. From California to Afghanistan to CENTCOM Leeney was born in 1966 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and has spent most of his career — which has involved service in the infantry ,armored division and air defense — in California. He was an executive officer in the U.S. battalion deployed as part of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in Sinai, Egypt, and in the 40th Infantry Division's agribusiness development team in Kunar, Afghanistan. In May 2018, he was deployed as chief of staff of the Train, Advise and Assist Command South (TAAC-S) in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Returning to the States in February 2019, he was then appointed deputy general in charge of operations for the 40th division. In May 2022, he became commander of the 40th division, then was deployed as commander of Task Force Spartan at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait, from July 2023 to March 2024. In October 2024, he assumed the role of deputy commander for U.S. Central Command's (CENTCOM) Army branch, known as ARCENT. Leeney meets the heads of state After the Wednesday Baabda meeting, the two generals and the U.S. ambassador went to Ain al-Tineh to meet with Berri, and then on to Yarze to visit Lebanese Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal and to the Grand Serail to speak with Salam. 'General Leeney will work closely with the Lebanese Army, UNIFIL, France, and the Lebanese Military Technical Committee to enable the Lebanese Army to fully ensure the security and protection of the country's sovereignty," the aforementioned U.S. embassy statement reads. "Conscious of the importance of ending hostilities, General Jeffers will continue to monitor the situation in Lebanon while fulfilling his duties as commander of U.S. Special Operations Forces in the Levant, the Gulf, and Central Asia.' At Ain al-Tineh, Berri criticized 'the escalation of Israeli aggressions and daily violations, while Lebanon respects all its obligations, whereas the Israeli side does not respect the cease-fire and has not withdrawn from territories it still occupies in the South.' In the meeting, Berri argued, 'This escalation in aggression and Israeli violations undermines the state's recovery process, stability, reforms, and sovereignty,' according to a statement, and called on the U.S. to compel Israel to immediately apply the agreement. General Leeney confirmed that 'the commission will start holding regular and permanent meetings to monitor the situation's evolution.' At the Grand Serail, Salam delivered a similar points. 'Lebanon respects the agreement, and the Lebanese Army continues its efforts to extend its deployment and fully establish its authority over the entire Lebanese territory,' he stated, before condemning Israeli violations and calling for the liberation of Lebanese prisoners. 'The Israeli withdrawal constitutes the real entry point to strengthening the state's authority and consolidating it, in parallel with Lebanon's measures to strengthen the army's capabilities in manpower and equipment,' he added.
L'Orient-Le Jour
02-05-2025
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Aoun meets new head of the cease-fire supervision committee
President Joseph Aoun received Wednesday, in the presence of U.S. Ambassador Lisa Johnson, the chairman of the cease-fire supervision committee between Israel and Hezbollah, U.S. General Jasper Jeffers, who introduced his successor, Maj. Gen. Michael Leeney, according to a statement released by Baabda. "President Aoun emphasized the need to strengthen the committee's work, continue to pressure Israel to cease its aggressions, withdraw from the five hills it occupies and free Lebanese prisoners," the presidency said. "The head of state also affirmed that the Lebanese army fully performs its missions in the South, particularly south of the Litani, where it continues to seize weapons and ammunition, as well as dismantle armed apparitions," added the statement published on X. Leeney, born in 1966 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, has served in several branches of the army: infantry, armored division, and air defense, and has primarily operated in California during his career. He also served as executing officer in the United States Battalion (USBATT) deployed as part of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in Sinai, Egypt, as well as in the agribusiness development team of the 40th Infantry Division in Kunar, Afghanistan. Passage in Kuwait In 2011, Leeney took command of the 1-143rd FA in Walnut Creek. Then, in 2013, he was appointed to the 79th Brigade. In August 2014, he became Chief of Staff of the 40th ID, a position he held until May 2018. Subsequently, he was deployed as Chief of Staff of the Train, Advise and Assist Command South (TAAC-S) in Kandahar, Afghanistan. After his return in Feb. 2019, he was appointed Deputy Commander for Operations for the 40th Division. In May 2022, he became commander of the 40th Division, then was deployed as commander of Task Force Spartan at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait, from July 2023 to March 2024. In Oct. 2024, he assumed the role of Deputy Commander of U.S. Army Central and the Third Army. The cease-fire supervision committee entered into force last Nov. 27 between Hezbollah and Israel and is composed of five members. It is co-chaired by France and the U.S., and completed by Lebanon, Israel, and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Its main mission is to implement and monitor the cease-fire between Israel and Lebanon, primarily to ensure the dismantling of Hezbollah's weapons in the south through the Lebanese army. The cease-fire has been marred by numerous Israeli violations, including three bombings of Beirut's southern suburbs. The Israeli army still occupies five so-called strategic sites in South Lebanon, despite being supposed to withdraw on Feb. 18. In a speech on Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated that the Israeli army must remain in what he called a "buffer zone" between Lebanon and the Hebrew state. Following their meeting in Baabda, the two U.S. generals and the U.S. ambassador continued their tour with a stop in Ain al-Tineh to meet Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, then proceeded to Yarzeh for a visit with the Lebanese Army Commander, Rodolphe Haykal. They also made a stop at the Grand Serail to hold talks with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. "I am grateful for the opportunity to take part in such an important mission, and I'm very optimistic about the future. The Lebanese Army is known for its professionalism, and my meetings confirmed its commitment to ensuring peace and stability," said Major General Michael Leeney, according to a statement released by the US Embassy in Lebanon on Tuesday afternoon. 'The general will work closely with the Lebanese Army, UNIFIL, France, and Lebanon's Military Technical Committee to help the army fully ensure the country's security and sovereignty. Acknowledging the importance of halting hostilities, General Jasper Jeffers will continue to monitor the situation in Lebanon while also fulfilling his role as commander of US Special Operations Forces in the Levant, the Gulf, and Central Asia,' the embassy added.
Al Arabiya
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
US dispatches senior military official to Beirut to support Lebanon ceasefire efforts
The United States has deployed a full-time senior military official to Beirut as part of its efforts to support the Lebanon ceasefire monitoring mechanism and strengthen military ties with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), the US Embassy in Beirut said on Wednesday. Maj. Gen. Michael Leeney, deputy commander of US Army Central (ARCENT), arrived in Beirut this week and was introduced to senior Lebanese officials, including President Joseph Aoun, on Wednesday. According to the US Embassy, Leeney will work closely with the LAF, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), France, and the Military Technical Committee to bolster LAF security operations and support Lebanese sovereignty. His presence is intended to solidify Washington's military partnership with Lebanon and ensure continued coordination during the fragile ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel. While Maj. Gen. Leeney will assume a lead role on the ground, Maj. Gen. Jasper—who has headed the ceasefire monitoring mechanism since the truce was reached last November—will remain involved, shifting focus to his primary duties as commander of US Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT). 'The LAF is well known as a capable force and my meetings have shown just how dedicated they are to ensuring peace and stability,' Leeney said. During the Wednesday meeting, Aoun assured US officials that the LAF is fully engaged in securing the Israeli-Lebanese border, noting the confiscation of weapons and ammunition in recent operations. However, concerns remain about the LAF's ability to meet the demands of its dual mission: maintaining border security and overseeing Hezbollah's disarmament. Bilal Saab, senior managing director at TRENDS US and a former Pentagon official, emphasized the need for enhanced military assistance. 'I'm glad to see the US commitment at the leadership level. Now we have to complement that with the means the LAF needs to step up and take the Hezbollah disarmament issue to the finish line,' Saab told Al Arabiya English. The top Republican and Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee issued a stern warning to the LAF earlier this month, urging the LAF to accelerate the implementation of the US-brokered ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel or face a potential reassessment of American military aid to Beirut. Under the current ceasefire agreement, Hezbollah is required to withdraw its fighters and weapons at least 20 miles north of the Israeli border. In exchange, Israel must vacate the remaining Lebanese territories it occupies, allowing the LAF to assume control. Despite this, Israel maintains its hold on five positions along the border, citing Hezbollah's incomplete disarmament. Lebanon's president has repeatedly told advisors and ministers in the government that he has taken full responsibility of the issue to ensure Hezbollah hands over its weapons and will directly deal with the group. Yet, Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah targets have continued, including recent attacks in Beirut, which Israel claims are in response to ceasefire violations. Hezbollah has not retaliated but has criticized the Lebanese state, accusing it of failing to prevent the strikes. Intelligence assessments suggest that a majority of Hezbollah's arsenal, including precision-guided missiles and drones, has been destroyed in Israeli operations over the past year. In Wednesday's meeting, Aoun called on the US and France, as key members of the monitoring mechanism, to pressure Israel to halt its attacks, withdraw from the occupied positions, and return Lebanese prisoners captured during the war with Hezbollah.
Nahar Net
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Nahar Net
Michael Leeney to replace Jeffers as full-time head of ceasefire committee
by Naharnet Newsdesk 5 hours Major General Jasper Jeffers, Chairman of the Cessation of Hostilities Implementation Mechanism, met Wednesday with Lebanese and UNIFIL leadership in Beirut, accompanied by Major General Michael Leeney. 'Major General Leeney is joining the Mechanism to provide a full-time senior U.S. military leader in Beirut to continue the strong relationship between the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and U.S. military,' the U.S. Embassy said in a statement. 'I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this important mission and am very optimistic for the future. The LAF is well known as a capable force and my meetings have shown just how dedicated they are to ensuring peace and stability,' Leeney said. Leeney will work closely with LAF, UNIFIL, France and the Military Technical Committee for Lebanon to 'enable the LAF to provide security and fully safeguard Lebanese sovereignty,' the Embassy added. 'Recognizing the importance of the Cessation of Hostilities, Major General Jeffers will stay involved in Lebanon while fulfilling his role as the commander of U.S. Special Operations forces in the Levant, Arabian Gulf, and Central Asia,' it said.
Nahar Net
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Nahar Net
Michael Leeney to replace Jeffers as full-time head of ceasefire committee
by Naharnet Newsdesk 30 April 2025, 14:15 Major General Jasper Jeffers, Chairman of the Cessation of Hostilities Implementation Mechanism, met Wednesday with Lebanese and UNIFIL leadership in Beirut, accompanied by Major General Michael Leeney. 'Major General Leeney is joining the Mechanism to provide a full-time senior U.S. military leader in Beirut to continue the strong relationship between the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and U.S. military,' the U.S. Embassy said in a statement. 'I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this important mission and am very optimistic for the future. The LAF is well known as a capable force and my meetings have shown just how dedicated they are to ensuring peace and stability,' Leeney said. Leeney will work closely with LAF, UNIFIL, France and the Military Technical Committee for Lebanon to 'enable the LAF to provide security and fully safeguard Lebanese sovereignty,' the Embassy added. 'Recognizing the importance of the Cessation of Hostilities, Major General Jeffers will stay involved in Lebanon while fulfilling his role as the commander of U.S. Special Operations forces in the Levant, Arabian Gulf, and Central Asia,' it said.
