The Lebanese Cabinet, led by President General Joseph Aoun, has approved a series of high-profile military and security appointments during a regular session held at Baabda Palace on Thursday. The meeting also addressed important budgetary issues, with the Cabinet approving amendments to the 2025 budget. 

Among the key appointments, the Cabinet promoted Brigadier General Rudolph Haykal to Major General and named him as the new Commander of the Lebanese Army. Brigadier General Hassan Shukeir was also promoted to Major General and appointed Director General of General Security. Brigadier General Edgard Lawandos was promoted to Major General and appointed Director General of State Security. Brigadier General Raed Abdallah received the same promotion and was named Director General of the Internal Security Forces. Additionally, Brigadier General Mershed Hajj Suleiman was appointed Deputy Director General of State Security.

The Cabinet also approved the recruitment of 4,500 soldiers for the Lebanese Army.

Minister of Education, Rima Karami, confirmed that the Cabinet has approved an increase in hourly wages for contracted teachers at the start of the academic year.

The session's agenda included 27 items, with the military and security appointments being the most prominent. The Cabinet also discussed urgent matters requiring immediate decisions.

Finance Minister Yassin Jaber, upon entering the session, confirmed that amendments to the 2025 budget had been finalized, with the reconsideration of fees being one of the key adjustments. He also stated that this would be the first issue addressed during the session.

Following the session, Information Minister Paul Morcos confirmed that the Cabinet had approved the preparation of a draft decree to reduce fees in the 2025 budget.