Lebanese army soldiers talking with U.N. peacekeepers. Screenshot from a documentary made by the Lebanese Army.
BEIRUT — Lebanese Army Commander Gen. Rodolph Haykal said Thursday that near-daily Israeli violations in southern Lebanon are preventing the army’s full deployment south of the Litani River, a key requirement under U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701.
His comments came one day after three people were killed in Israeli strikes and on the 25th anniversary of Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon on May 25, 2000, ending an occupation that began during the Lebanese Civil War.
Speaking on what Lebanon designates as the Day of Resistance and Liberation — a holiday to commemorate the Israeli withdrawal — Haykal praised his troops for their role in maintaining national unity and security.
“Your resistance is one of the most important reasons for Lebanon’s survival,” he said, hailing the army’s “intensive work to extend the state’s authority.”
This year’s commemoration comes as Israel maintains control over five strategic positions in southern Lebanon, despite a cease-fire declared Nov. 27, 2024, as part of an escalating conflict with Hezbollah. Israeli forces launched a ground offensive in September 2024 and have continued near-daily air and artillery strikes across southern Lebanon. The Israeli military has also targeted the Bekaa Valley and, on three occasions, the southern suburbs of Beirut.
In his speech, Haykal denounced Israel’s continued military activity.
“The Israeli enemy continues its violations and aggression against our country and our people. It continues to occupy parts of our territory and hinders the full deployment of the army in the south — a blatant violation of all international resolutions,” he said.
“On this Day of Resistance and Liberation, we celebrate a historic event: the liberation of most of our land after decades of occupation by the Israeli enemy,” he added. “We proudly recall the sacrifices of the martyrs who made this achievement possible.”
Haykal said the anniversary comes at a time of “heavy and dangerous” aggression, which has killed and wounded thousands and caused widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure in southern Lebanon. “The catastrophic effects are still being felt,” he said.
Army’s expanding role
Under the terms of the 2006 cease-fire agreement, Lebanon pledged to assert control over all of its territory, including areas where Hezbollah operates. The army has been deployed in southern Lebanon and is working to dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, which was weakened during the latest confrontation with Israel.
Haykal commended his forces for implementing international resolutions in coordination with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the cease-fire supervision committee. He also acknowledged their role in supporting the return of displaced populations to their villages.
He praised the army’s work in combating terrorism and organized crime, securing Lebanon’s northern and eastern borders, and maintaining order during the ongoing municipal elections — the first since 2016. The final round of voting is set for Saturday in southern Lebanon.
“You have assumed your responsibilities with great professionalism and unwavering determination, despite the many difficulties and complex circumstances,” Haykal told his troops.
He also highlighted the army’s reputation abroad: “Your absolute dedication has reinforced the confidence of friendly and brotherly nations in the army’s role.”
Haykal urged soldiers to remain alert in defending civil peace and promised improvements to their living and working conditions.
