Lebanese Army commander: Lebanon's 'first enemy' is Israel

BEIRUT — The Lebanese Army Commander, General Rudolph Haykal said on Saturday, during a visit to the Lebanese-Syrian border, that Lebanon's "first enemy" is Israel, which "insists on continuous violations of Lebanon's sovereignty and the security of its citizens", according to a statement released by the Lebanese Army.

As part of his tour, Haykal, who was appointed as the new Army commander last month, visited the command of the Second Land Border Regiment, as well as “Qozhaya Bitar” and “al-Mashrifa” posts in the al-Qaa area, and a unit of the 9th Infantry Brigade in the Hermel area. He met with officers and soldiers, where he was briefed on the challenges faced by the units in their area of responsibility. He praised their efforts in monitoring and controlling the borders, which directly contribute to preserving Lebanon's security and stability.

Haykal addressed the soldiers, saying: "The [Lebanese] Army is the national institution that protects our country with all its segments, where soldiers from different Lebanese regions unite to defend the country and maintain its security both at home and along the borders."

"You are performing your duty to the fullest thanks to your determination, combating smuggling, and playing a positive role in the border area between Lebanon and Syria, through constant communication and coordination with the Syrian authorities", he added.

Haykal also pointed out the "ongoing work of the Army Command to enhance the capabilities of the military medical clinic, ensuring the best possible health care for soldiers and their families."

According to our correspondent in the Bekaa, the visit was accompanied by a large-scale army deployment along the international road, at the entrances of villages and towns extending from Ras Baalbek to Qaa, and up to the vicinity of the Lebanon-Syria border.

Deadly clashes occurred last month between Lebanese clans and the new Syrian forces at the Lebanese-Syrian border.