Disarmament: Israeli attacks hinder the army’s plan, Haykal says

Lebanese Army commander-in-chief Gen. Rodolph Haykal said Saturday that Israeli attacks on Lebanon are hindering the army’s plan to disarm militias, following the government’s decision to restore the state’s monopoly on weapons.

As the escalation between Israel and Hezbollah continues for a sixth consecutive day, Haykal said the army’s command is making decisions “based on the current complex circumstances,” with the primary goal of preserving Lebanon, maintaining national unity and protecting the military institution.

He said the army is operating under intense internal and external pressure and with limited resources, while trying to maintain internal stability and national unity.

Haykal added that the military “stands at an equal distance from all Lebanese and acts from its unifying national position.” He spoke on the sidelines of an exceptional meeting at army headquarters in Yarzeh (Baabda) attended by senior officers.

“This delicate phase is tied to Lebanon’s survival,” he said, adding that the solution cannot be purely military and requires coordination between political authorities, state institutions and the army.

Nabi Sheet commando operation

Haykal also addressed the Israeli commando operation carried out overnight from Friday to Saturday in the village of Nabi Sheet (Baalbek district), which left 41 people dead, including three Lebanese Army soldiers.

The operation, one of the most unexpected and deadliest in the Bekaa since the latest escalation, was carried out by forces who wore uniforms similar to those of the Lebanese army and used military vehicles and ambulances resembling those of the Islamic Health Authority, he said.

Haykal said “the way out of the crisis” depends on two factors: forcing Israel to halt its attacks and violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty, and strengthening the army’s capabilities so it can carry out its missions.

Difficult conditions in southern Lebanon

Regarding the situation in south Lebanon, Haykal acknowledged that the army is operating under extremely difficult conditions and is redeploying units along the border and repositioning forces south of the Litani River.

He also addressed the situation along the Lebanese-Syrian border, saying the army has reinforced its deployment there and continues coordinating with relevant Syrian authorities.