Haykal says army will succeed in its mission 'while maintaining civil peace'

BEIRUT — Lebanese Army chief Rodolphe Haykal said Friday that the military is preparing for “a delicate phase” requiring sensitive operations, including the disarmament of militias such as Hezbollah and groups in Palestinian camps, while ensuring civil peace and internal stability.

The senior officer was speaking during an exceptional meeting of staff members and other officers, according to a statement reported by the state-run National News Agency (NNA.)

"We have made heavy sacrifices and given martyrs in the fulfillment of our national duty, and nothing will distract us from our commitment to assume our responsibilities in all regions and along the borders," he added.

The army has lost several soldiers in South Lebanon since the cease-fire reached at the end of November between Israel and Hezbollah. On Thursday, two soldiers were killed by an explosion while responding to an Israeli drone that had crashed after an attack. In early August, the Lebanese Army announced the death of six of its soldiers in an explosion during a demining operation in a weapons depot in southern Lebanon belonging to Hezbollah.

Regarding the situation on the border with Syria, the army's command assured that "necessary communications have taken place with the Syrian authorities on the control of the northern and eastern borders, in the common interest."

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Berri criticizes Washington: 'Nov. 27 agreement worse than that of May 17, 1983'

The Lebanese Army is to present next week a plan to disarm Hezbollah by the end of the year, in accordance with a decision taken on Aug. 5, 2025, by Cabinet, which incorporates the main points of a U.S. proposal to make the cease-fire permanent.

Hezbollah has so far refused to disarm before Israel withdraws from several strategic points it still occupies in southern Lebanon and ceases its near-daily strikes on Lebanese territory. The party, whose position is firmly supported by its Iranian sponsor, has raised the tone to the point of issuing a veiled threat of civil war.

Lebanese Army announces funerals for two soldiers killed in Naqoura blast

In a statement published by the state-run National News Agency, the Lebanese Army Command announced that the funerals of the two soldiers killed — Lieutenant Mohammad Ismail of the 5th Regiment and Chief Warrant Officer Rifaat Touaimi — were held in their hometowns of Daraya (Chouf) and Shehabiet al-Faour (Zahleh district), respectively.

"Each ceremony began with honors presented by a military police delegation and the army’s band. Both soldiers were posthumously awarded the War Medal, the Wounded Medal, and the Military Appreciation Medal in silver and bronze ranks," the statement said.

Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal and Defense Minister Michel Menassa attended the ceremonies, which preceded the transfer of the bodies to their home villages. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was also present at the proceedings.

Lebanese Army to present Hezbollah disarmament plan next week

The Lebanese Army is set to present a plan next week to disarm Hezbollah by the end of the year, in line with a decision made by the Cabinet on Aug.5, 2025. The plan reflects key elements of a U.S. proposal aimed at securing a lasting ceasefire.

The Lebanese Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Friday, Sept. 5 at 3:00 p.m. in Baabda to present and discuss the plan, according to a statement posted on the Grand Serail’s X account. Earlier announcements had said the meeting was initially rescheduled for Sept. 2.

So far, Hezbollah has refused to give up its weapons, insisting that Israel must first withdraw from several strategic positions it still occupies in southern Lebanon and end its near-daily strikes on Lebanese territory. Backed firmly by its Iranian sponsor, the group has escalated its rhetoric — going as far as issuing a thinly veiled threat of civil war.