Haykal in South says army resolved to extend state authority in entire territory

"The army is determined to extend the authority of the state throughout the entire territory, in accordance with the decision of the political leadership," Army Commander Rodolph Haykal said Wednesday during a tour of southern Lebanon.

The general was visiting the troops and reviewing the command of the 7th Infantry Brigade at François al-Hage barracks in Marjayoun.

These statements come as the chief of the armed forces refuses any use of force against Hezbollah, despite the fact that the Cabinet last week asked the army to implement the weapons monopoly plan "by all possible means" and in "the shortest possible time." This caution has drawn much criticism of Haykal.

The commander-in-chief of the army visited Marjayoun (Marjayoun district) to assess the operational situation in the sector south of the Litani River. There, he met with officers and soldiers, praising their resilience and sacrifices as Israeli attacks continue in various regions of Lebanon, notably in southern Lebanon, Beirut’s southern suburbs and northern Bekaa, causing deaths and injuries.

He also went to the town of Qlaya (Marjayoun) to offer his condolences to the residents of the village on the death of the priest of the Saint Georges parish, Father Pierre al-Rai, who was killed following an Israeli attack on the Christian locality.

"We remain committed to serving the national interest, in the preservation of the unity of Lebanon and its citizens," Haykal affirmed. He continued: "We are determined to extend state authority over the entire territory, in accordance with the decision of the political leadership."

"The military uniform that brings together the members of the institution belongs to the nation in all its regional and confessional diversity," Haykal emphasized.

Regarding the criticism directed at him, the general said: "The army is the solution to save Lebanon and the guarantor of its unity. Slanderous attacks will not deter the institution from fulfilling its duty."

Israeli strikes on Lebanon have killed 634 people, including 86 children and 45 women, since the country was drawn into the regional war on March 2, the Health Ministry announced Wednesday. According to the same source, 84 people were killed on Tuesday alone, and Wednesday’s provisional toll stands at 64 killed and 142 wounded. According to the Lebanese authorities’ tally as of Wednesday night, Israel has also displaced 816,000 people since its war on Lebanon began.

The United States has just suspended its coordination with the Lebanese Army, in an effort to increase pressure for the ouster of the army commander, L’Orient-Le Jour learned Wednesday from multiple diplomatic sources.

Such a step, however, is rejected in Lebanon, where the war continues. International actors are said to have intervened to prevent any move against the army commander at this stage. "The period is difficult, and the challenges are great, but our determination, our strength, and our faith in the sacredness of our mission remain the foundation of our success," the army commander added, calling on soldiers to remain vigilant and to pay no mind to rumors aimed at undermining the institution.