Egypt Daily News – President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has appointed Maj. Gen. Hassan Mahmoud Rashad as the new head of the General Intelligence Service (GIS), replacing the longtime chief Maj. Gen. Abbas Kamel, who has held the position since 2018.
Rashad, who had previously served as Kamel’s deputy, was sworn in on Wednesday, and Kamel has been assigned new roles as President Sisi’s advisor, special envoy, and general coordinator of security services.
Reports indicate that Kamel’s recent health issues may have prompted some delegation of his responsibilities, making the leadership transition timely.
Rashad’s background as a longtime GIS officer suggests that his approach may be more entrenched within the agency compared to Kamel, who initially came from a military background and was not a GIS insider upon his appointment.
The GIS is a powerful agency responsible for both domestic and foreign intelligence in Egypt, with its director reporting directly to the president. Kamel’s role has included involvement in critical negotiations, such as mediating cease-fire talks related to Gaza. Rashad is expected to take over these diplomatic responsibilities as he steps into his new role.
This leadership change occurs after a significant cabinet reshuffle earlier in July, which saw changes in several ministries amid ongoing economic and political challenges in the country.
