Commander-in-Chief of the Lebanese Army, Rodolph Haykal. (Credit: @Lebarmy/X)
On the eve of Independence Day, Commander-in-Chief of the Lebanese Army General Rodolph Haykal urged the Lebanese on Friday in his daily orders to the troops to "stand, as always, by their army" at a time when the United States and Israel accuse the institution of stalling Hezbollah's disarmament.
Haykal, whose meetings had been canceled in the United States earlier in the week due to Washington's "exasperation," stated that no challenge will overpower the will of the troops to accomplish their missions, considering that Lebanon is experiencing "one of the most difficult periods in its history."
"To the Lebanese, I say: Stand, as always, by your army. It is your guarantee in the most difficult times. Your trust in the army is vital to its continuity, and internal unity is essential to Lebanon’s reconstruction.
"On this Independence Day, we renew our faith in Lebanon, salute our martyrs with respect and affirm that challenges will not defeat our will. Our country will overcome this stage thanks to the unity of its people and the resilience of its army," continued Haykal.
In a less optimistic tone, the army chief declared that the country "is going through a critical period, one of the most difficult in its history," as the Israeli army continues to occupy at least six positions on Lebanese territory along the southern border and attacks this region as well as the Bekaa almost daily.
"Today, our nation is going through a critical period, one of the most difficult in its history, in a context of Israeli occupation of Lebanese territory and relentless attacks and violations that cause martyrs and wounded, prevent the full deployment of the army and result in material and infrastructure destruction," the head of the troops stated.
Since the cease-fire agreement between Lebanon and Israel took effect in November 2024, Haykal recalled that "the army has made considerable efforts, despite limited resources and the difficulties caused by the economic crisis [that began in 2019], to implement its plan and strengthen its deployment south of the Litani.
"This has allowed it to extend state authority over the entire territory, in accordance with government decisions and in respect of Resolution 1701, in coordination with the United Nations Interim Force and the cease-fire monitoring committee."
The troops are tasked with disarming militias, particularly Hezbollah, which was severely weakened by its last war against Israel.
This mission has begun in the area south of the Litani, where the party does not oppose the dismantling of its infrastructure.
However, it refuses to give up its arms in the rest of Lebanon, where the army must continue to implement its disarmament plan, theoretically starting in early 2026.
On this matter, the commander-in-chief stated he is "fully aware of the exceptional circumstances surrounding the implementation of the army’s plan, which is progressing according to the set schedule."
For him, "these circumstances require the highest degree of wisdom and patience, as well as firmness and professionalism, in order to serve the national interest and maintain civil peace, away from any other consideration."
Haykal also recalled the "immense sacrifices" made by the military institution, emphasizing that it has "held its positions to defend Lebanon’s sovereignty over every part of its territory," asserting that it "would spare no effort to achieve this goal and support the return of displaced people to their villages" in the border area, most of which have been devastated.
Lebanese Army soldiers, the 'beating heart of the nation'
These efforts, he said, nevertheless require "close accompaniment by state institutions," as part of a national collective effort, as well as "the provision of necessary resources, improvement of soldiers' living conditions and the adoption of necessary measures for restoring stability."
He recalled that at the same time, the army continues other missions, such as combating terrorism and drug trafficking with the arrest of trafficker Nouh Zaiter, as well as border control with Syria in the north and east.
Finally, addressing the soldiers he called the "beating heart of the nation," the army chief paid tribute by saying that their dedication is "one of the essential pillars of Lebanon's continuity."
He saluted "those who sacrifice for their families throughout the territory and who face danger for every grain of the nation’s soil, until its complete liberation so that the anniversary of our independence takes on its full meaning."
He urged them to pursue their mission without paying attention "to smear campaigns, slander and rumors," asserting that they "always stand on the right side [of history]."
Shortly after the reading of the daily orders, Haykal and President Joseph Aoun went to the headquarters of the Lebanese Army south of the Litani, at the Benoît Barakat barracks in Sour, where sector commander General Nicolas Tabet greeted them.
