Israeli military and civilian authorities were reportedly pleased when Maj. Saad Haddad rescinded his resignation as commander of the Christian militia in south Lebanon yesterday only 48 hours after he announced it over the “Voice of Hope” Christian radio station Friday.
Haddad gave no reason for his surprise decision to quit or for his equally sudden decision not to. He stressed that both moves were made “entirely for local south Lebanese reasons.” His militia, supported by Israel and largely armed by it, is regarded here as a buffer preventing Palestinian terrorists from infiltrating across Israel’s northern border.
According to Haddad, President Elias Sarkis of Lebanon had expressed regret at his initial announcement that he would leave his post. Haddad said he planned to reorganize the civilian and military command in the area he controls which, he said, will be known as “Free Lebanon.” Haddad was recently treated for exhaustion in Israeli hospitals.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
