Hajjar announces measures for the holiday season

BEIRUT — Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar announced Wednesday security and traffic measures that will be implemented during the holiday season, at a meeting of the Central Council of Internal Security.

The minister called on the various security and military services to "deploy and position themselves around churches, places of worship and entertainment venues during Christmas and New Year's celebrations, to strictly enforce security and law and order measures, and to strengthen traffic management on public roads to facilitate circulation," according to a statement published by the state-run National News Agency (NNA).

These measures are to be implemented especially in areas where traffic jams and festivities are expected.

Hajjar also called for "maximum mobilization and enhanced coordination between the various security services," urging them to "take all necessary measures to ensure a rapid response to any emergency."

He also emphasized "the need to intensify intelligence efforts to prevent any harm to security, particularly gunfire during celebrations," expressing a desire that "those responsible for such acts eventually be prosecuted."

The minister also asked the General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) to "take necessary measures before the start of the ski season."

He also praised the work of the country's security services, as well as the measures implemented at the Beirut International Airport, which he saw during a visit to BIA on Monday, and emphasized the importance of continuing these efforts to ensure the proper functioning of the airport and to facilitate both the arrival and departure of passengers.

Despite security uncertainties related to escalating tensions with Israel and the issue of Hezbollah’s disarmament, travelers have shown renewed interest in visiting Lebanon during this holiday period.

The plane occupancy rate for the holiday season is now "around 90 percent," according to information from L’Orient-Le Jour.