Lebanese Army Commander General Rudolph Haykal said ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory are preventing the army from fully deploying and asserting state authority. He also highlighted coordination with Syrian authorities to combat smuggling and secure the borders.
Speaking on Lebanon’s 82nd Independence Day, Haykal said the army has made “tremendous efforts” to implement its deployment plan in southern Lebanon and extend state control in line with government directives and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. He emphasized close cooperation with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the Supervisory Committee overseeing the ceasefire.
Haykal described Lebanon as facing a “critical phase,” amid continued Israeli attacks that have caused casualties, injuries, and damage to infrastructure. “These attacks hinder the army’s deployment and the extension of state sovereignty,” he said.
The commander also stressed the army’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, fight drug trafficking, prevent smuggling, and secure northern and eastern borders as well as Lebanese territorial waters.
Israeli forces carried out a series of airstrikes on Wednesday evening targeting the southern towns of Ainata, Tayr Falassiyeh, Deir Kifa, and Shhour.
