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3mo ago

U.S. Cancels Meetings With Lebanese Army Chief After LAF Labels Israel ‘Enemy’

The move underscores Washington’s push for faster steps to curb Hezbollah’s weapons under the postwar ceasefire.

(FILES) Lebanese soldiers deploy as supporters of the militant group Hezbollah take to the streets to protest the government's endorsement of a plan to disarm the group, in Beirut's southern suburb
Gen Rodolphe Haykal, centre, commands the Lebanese armed forces tasked with disarming Hezbollah. EPA
Lebanese army chief Rodolphe Haykal (L) with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, March 2025.
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Overview

  • Lebanese and U.S. media reported that Gen. Rodolphe Haykal’s Washington visit and an embassy reception were called off shortly before his departure after the LAF statement.
  • The statement followed a UNIFIL incident in which Israeli tank fire hit near peacekeepers inside Lebanon, which UNIFIL called a serious violation and Israel attributed to mistaken identification in poor weather.
  • Senators Lindsey Graham and Joni Ernst publicly criticized the LAF’s rhetoric and warned the episode could imperil future American military assistance.
  • American and Lebanese sources say the cancellations serve as a warning to accelerate steps toward Hezbollah’s disarmament, with Lebanese media reporting the matter has been elevated to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
  • Lebanese officials caution that the army has limited capacity to confront Hezbollah directly as ongoing Israeli strikes and unresolved border positions complicate implementation of the ceasefire.