Lebanese Army chief says Israel seeks to fuel internal strife

Lebanese Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal said Israel was seeking to stir internal divisions in Lebanon, urging national unity to counter such efforts.

Haykal said creating internal strife was “one of the objectives of the Israeli occupation” and stressed the need for awareness and unity to confront such attempts.

He said the military was facing major challenges during the current period, adding: “The challenges before us are great, and we have no choice but to continue making sacrifices and giving our best.”

Haykal said the army would continue carrying out its duties to preserve security and stability and protect the country amid the region’s sensitive circumstances.

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His remarks come as the United States continues efforts to advance understandings between Lebanon and Israel, amid disagreements over arrangements for an Israeli withdrawal from border areas and future security guarantees.

Beirut insists on a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory and rejects any arrangement that would allow Israel to carry out military or security operations inside Lebanon. Israel, meanwhile, says any withdrawal must be linked to security guarantees and tighter border monitoring.

A new round of talks expected in Rome is seen as an important test of the chances of reaching an agreement, as major differences remain between the two sides and there are no clear signs that Washington is exerting decisive pressure on Israel to move the process forward.

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