Commander-in-Chief of the Lebanese Army, Rodolph Haykal. (Credit: @Lebarmy/X)
Army Commander General Rodolph Haykal said Saturday that “the Army remains cohesive and solid thanks to the unwavering faith of its personnel in their mission and the sanctity of their duty, and their determination to ensure stability and civil peace, despite rumors and campaigns of doubt and slander targeting the military institution,” the state-run National News Agency reported.
Haykal’s remarks came during an exceptional meeting he held in Yarzeh, attended by the General Staff, unit and operational regiment commanders, and a number of officers. The meeting addressed the latest developments Lebanon and the Army are facing during this exceptional phase, amid ongoing Israeli violations and attacks, NNA reported.
The meeting began with a moment of silence in remembrance of the Army and nation’s martyrs, the most recent being the two soldiers killed during a raid on Nov. 17, 2025, in the Shrawneh–Baalbeck area.
During the meeting, Haykal congratulated the officers on the occasion of Independence Day, expressing his hope that the “commemoration of independence will be completed through the liberation of all occupied Lebanese territories.”
One year after the U.S.- and France-brokered truce, tensions remain high. Israeli forces continue to occupy at least six hills on the Lebanese side of the border and carry out near-daily strikes in the South and Bekaa Valley.
This also comes as scheduled meetings for Haykal with U.S. officials in Washington, originally planned for Wednesday, were abruptly canceled. Several U.S. senators expressed dissatisfaction with the Lebanese Army’s handling of Hezbollah’s disarmament.
The cancellation of the scheduled meeting was seen as an expression of U.S. dissatisfaction with the army, while the latter is waging a fierce battle on multiple fronts to assert Lebanon’s sovereignty over its entire territory.
‘Importance of internal unity for Lebanon’s resilience’
Haykal emphasized the “importance of internal unity for Lebanon’s resilience in the face of difficulties resulting from recent events, especially at the regional level and their repercussions on the Lebanese interior,” NNA reported.
He told those present: “The unity and solidarity of the Lebanese take on exceptional importance in the current phase, particularly regarding the Army’s national role, the need to strengthen its capabilities, assert state authority over all its territory, stop aggressions, and end the Israeli occupation of Lebanese land.”
He added: “As for the Army’s plan in the area south of the Litani River, it is progressing according to the predetermined timetable. The steps achieved during the past phase constitute a major accomplishment. The institution has sacrificed many martyrs and wounded in the performance of its duties, and we must honor their blood and sacrifices. We must also commend the people of the South for standing by the Army and supporting its national role.”
Haykal explained that “Lebanon is committed to the cessation of hostilities agreement and to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, in cooperation with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).”
He also stressed that “the military units are carrying out their duties fully and with the highest levels of professionalism across the country.”
Lebanese troops are tasked with disarming militias, particularly Hezbollah, which was weakened by its last war with Israel. This mission has begun south of the Litani, where Hezbollah does not oppose dismantling its infrastructure. However, the group refuses to give up its arms elsewhere in Lebanon, where army-led disarmament is expected to begin in early 2026.
On another note, the Army Commander revealed that the institution is keen on maintaining strong relations with friendly countries and armies and seeks cooperation with them in service of the interests of the Army and the nation.
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