US Cancels Lebanese Army Commander’s Visit Following Criticism of Israel
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The United States abruptly canceled scheduled meetings in Washington with Lebanese Army Commander General Rudolph Heikal after taking issue with a recent statement issued by the Lebanese army regarding ongoing border tensions with Israel. The cancellation, described as “sudden and shocking” by a Lebanese security official, prompted General Heikal to forgo his planned trip, which was to focus on military aid and security cooperation.
Diplomatic Fallout Over Border Dispute
The decision to cancel the meetings underscores the delicate balance of power and influence in the region, particularly concerning the role of Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group that wields significant influence in Lebanon. Washington has provided over $3 billion in support to the Lebanese army over the past two decades, aiming to bolster state institutions in a country heavily influenced by Hezbollah.
On Sunday, the Lebanese army released a statement condemning what it described as “violations of Lebanese sovereignty” by Israel, which it claimed were “causing destabilization” and hindering the army’s deployment in southern Lebanon. The statement also denounced Israel’s targeting of a patrol belonging to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), emphasizing the need for “immediate action” to address what it characterized as a “dangerous escalation.”
Ceasefire Agreement Under Strain
The current tensions stem from a ceasefire agreement reached a year ago between Israel and Lebanon. The agreement stipulated that Hezbollah would not maintain weapons south of the Litani River, and that Israeli forces would fully withdraw from Lebanese territory. However, both sides accuse the other of violating the terms.
Israel maintains that Hezbollah is attempting to rearm, while the Lebanese government asserts that Israel has failed to fully withdraw and continues to conduct airstrikes within Lebanon. According to reports, the Israeli army currently occupies five sites inside Lebanon and regularly carries out air strikes targeting what it claims are Hezbollah fighters.
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem has clarified that the ceasefire agreement’s stipulations regarding disarmament apply only to the area south of the Litani River.
US Senator Voices Disappointment
The Lebanese army’s statement drew criticism from within the US political sphere. Republican Senator Joni Ernst expressed her “disappointment” with the army’s position, stating that Israel had presented Lebanon with an opportunity to “get rid of the terrorists of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group.”
“Instead of seizing this opportunity and working together to disarm Hezbollah… the army commander holds Israel accountable in a shameful way,” Ernst added.
The US Embassy in Beirut has yet to issue a comment regarding the cancellation of the meetings. The situation remains fluid, and the implications of this diplomatic setback for regional stability are significant. .
(Press reporting by Laila Bassam – Prepared by Abdul Hamid Makkawi for the Arab Bulletin – Editing by Mahmoud Reda Murad)
