In his first address to the troops since his appointment last week, the new commander of the Lebanese Army, General Rodolph Haykal, stressed the "important" responsibilities the military will have in the coming phase, particularly in maintaining security in Lebanon.

Under the cease-fire agreement with Israel, the Lebanese Army is set to deploy in the South alongside the withdrawal and disarmament of Hezbollah south of the Litani River.

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Rodolph Haykal, a familiar face in South Lebanon takes charge of the army

"The army's responsibility during this period is very important, through its work in implementing Resolution 1701, in cooperation with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and in strengthening internal security against terrorism," Haykal said in a statement.

After 13 months of clashes between the Israeli army and Hezbollah, a cease-fire was put in place on Nov. 27, 2024, between Hezbollah and Israel. The agreement calls for Hezbollah to withdraw its weapons from south of the Litani and for the Lebanese Army to deploy in the region. Since it took effect, Israel has violated the cease-fire almost daily and maintains a presence in five strategic locations in South Lebanon. Resolution 1701 was adopted in 2006 to establish a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah after a 33-day war.

"I am proud to have gained the confidence of President Joseph Aoun and the government to lead the army tasked with preserving the unity, sovereignty, and independence of Lebanon. This confidence comes with great responsibility, as the region faces difficult times," Haykal said.

"Given the historic challenges we face, foremost among them the constant Israeli threats and aggressions (...) the new mandate and all Lebanese wager that our resilience and perseverance will ensure the necessary peace and stability (...)," he added.

Haykal also promised soldiers he would work to improve their conditions amid a severe financial and economic crisis and to modernize the army.