Lebanon’s Army Chief Rodolphe Haykal said on Friday that Lebanon is witnessing a very crucial phase he described as “the most difficult” in history amid Israel’s continued occupation of parts of Lebanon and its constant deadly attacks in the country.
Marking Independence Day, Haykal said in a statement on the army’s page on X that Israeli violations and strikes prevent the army from deployment near the border and causes “massive destruction in belongings and infrastructure.”
“The army has exerted strenuous efforts since the ceasefire agreement got into effect, and despite the limited capabilities and the difficulties as the result of the (economic) crisis, the army embarked on the implementation of the plan, deploying its troops in south of the Litani River”, said Haykal.
Haykal underscored that these efforts require close follow-up by the state’s institutions to improve the conditions of the military, and embark on improving the requirements suitable to restore stability.
He assured that the Lebanese leadership is aware of the exceptional circumstances affecting the army’s deployment plan.
Israel has kept up near-daily attacks on Lebanon and still maintains troops in five areas in south Lebanon.
Israel's military has intensified raids on Lebanon in recent weeks, accusing Hezbollah of rebuilding its military capabilities near the border.
In his remarks, Haykal stressed that the army continues to safeguard the northern and eastern borders and Lebanon’s territorial waters, in addition to preventing trafficking (along its border with Syria) in coordination with the related Syrian authorities.
He concluded by saying that efforts are underway to “improve the army’s capabilities amid the ongoing coordination with brethren and friendly countries”.
