Beirut: Lebanese Army Commander, General Rudolph Haykal, held today a meeting in Yarzeh, attended by general army staff, unit and regiment commanders, and several military officers. The meeting focused on current developments in Lebanon and the region, and on monitoring the security and military situation in light of ongoing Israeli attacks and current challenges.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the Army Chief began the meeting with a minute of silence in memory of the fallen martyrs of the military institution, affirming that their sacrifices "will remain a source of pride and honor for the institution and the nation." He emphasized that "the leadership honors the martyrs and the wounded and preserves their legacy," noting that during his visits to their families, he sensed their pride in their sons' sacrifices despite the immense pain, and unwavering confidence in the army and faith in its national role.
Addressing the soldiers who continue to perform their duties in various regions across Lebanon, particularly in the south, despite the dangers and challenges, stressing that their dedication and discipline embody the deeply rooted values of the military institution. He said, "During my visit yesterday to the commands of the South Litani Sector in Tyre and the 2nd Intervention Regiment in Zahrani, I drew strength from the soldiers' morale and sensed their pride in their mission."
Touching on the latest security and regional developments and their repercussions on Lebanon, the Army Chief emphasized that maintaining security and stability is a firm national priority, preventing the achievement of Israeli objectives aimed at destabilizing internal security. "The military institution will continue to carry out its duties firmly and responsibly to prevent any threat to civil peace," pledged Haykal.
Regarding the northern and eastern borders, General Haykal affirmed that "relations with the Syrian authorities are good, thanks to ongoing coordination," adding that "the military units responsible for border control are performing their duties to the fullest extent." He also highlighted the importance of maintaining the Lebanese people's trust in their military institution and strengthening its unity and credibility, emphasizing that attempts to undermine or discredit its role will not affect the soldiers' resolve or their commitment to performing their duty.
Furthermore, he rejected the sectarian and political exploitation of the army's position regarding the detainees and the sentences issued against them. The meeting also addressed the Army Commander's foreign visits, urging against speculation as they are pre-arranged and aimed at strengthening cooperation with the armies of all brotherly and friendly nations to bolster the Lebanese Army's capabilities, enabling it to continue fulfilling its national duties under all circumstances.
On another note, General Haykal clarified that the military delegations tasked with negotiations and other missions have no sectarian affiliation, stating that the military institution's only allegiance is to the uniform and the nation. Concluding the meeting, the Army Chief commended the performance of officers and soldiers, calling for continued work at a high level of readiness and discipline, and stressing that "the success of the military institution is based on the sacrifices of its members and their dedication to serving Lebanon and protecting its people."