Report: Conditions Set to End AMAL-Mustaqbal Dispute over ISF

After a dispute that surfaced between al-Mustaqbal and AMAL movements over appointments at the Internal Security Forces, Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil has reportedly said the conflict won't be over unless changes are introduced to the recent appointments made in ISF, al-Joumhouria daily reported on Friday.

AMAL minister, Khalil, told Prime Minister Saad Hariri who is also the Mustaqbal leader, of his intention to take “additional financial measures related to transportation and benefits,” said the daily.

The minister has reportedly told Hariri that differences between them will not be over unless alterations are made to the the latest appointments made by ISF chief Maj. Gen. Imad Othman.

The crisis between AMAL and Mustaqbal over the appointments took a new turn early this week after Khalil suspended the payment of funds earmarked for ISF's clandestine operations and took a series of measures against pro-Mustaqbal ministry employees, reports have said.

Reports identified the targeted employees whose posts were changed as Tarek Barazi and Musbah Abu Orm.

March 8 sources have reportedly said that Othman has “defied the will of AMAL and Hizbullah” by taking decisions at the ISF.

The sources have expected Khalil to take further measures to respond to the decisions of Othman and ISF Intelligence Branch chief Khaled Hammoud, who have appointed Major Rabih Faqih as head of the Intelligence Branch's military security dept. and Colonel Ali Skaini as head of the North Gendarmerie Command without consulting with AMAL, reports have said.