General Abbas Ibrahim, the head of the Lebanese General Security (LGS), has reached mandatory retirement age in Lebanon (age 64) and his term is set to end this week. The Cabinet and Parliament of Lebanon had the option to discuss a measure that would have allowed him to stay in his position even after reaching the legal retirement age.

While historically Lebanese authorities have often issued exceptional exemptions for top officials to stay in their position past retirement age, this is not looking to be the case for General Abbas Ibrahim as neither opted to take up that discussion and there are currently no sessions planned to address Ibrahim’s impending departure from the LGS.

Ibrahim is well known for his close ties with Hezbollah as well as authorities in Syria. Ibrahim would often leverage those ties to negotiate on behalf of western parties, including for the return of hostages and illegal detainees. As most are aware, Amer Fakhoury, the late US hostage was subject to illegal detention by the Lebanese General Security. At that time, the LGS was under the leadership of General Ibrahim. There he was tortured and unfortunately returned to the states only to pass away shortly after. Since then, Ibrahim has additionally been charged for his role in the Beirut port explosion which killed over 200 people. 

It remains unclear who will replace Ibrahim. What is clear, in this moment, is an opportunity to appoint as head of Lebanese General Security a leader with the capacity and courage to act outside Hezbollah’s Influence. We hope the people of Lebanon join voices from around the globe to push for a leader that acts in Lebanon's best interest and the interest of its people.