Lebanese army chief's US visit sparks tension over Hezbollah stance

Lebanese Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal has concluded a high-stakes visit to Washington, D.C., aimed at strengthening military ties and securing continued U.S. support for Lebanon's armed forces. However, the diplomatic mission was abruptly undermined by a public confrontation with a senior U.S. senator over the Lebanese military's stance toward the powerful Iran-backed Hezbollah movement, revealing deep-seated tensions in the bilateral relationship.

Official agenda and diplomatic outreach

Commander Haykal's visit, conducted at the invitation of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff from February 2-5, involved meetings with senior White House advisers, officials from the Defense and State Departments, and members of Congress. According to a Lebanese army statement, the discussions centered on enhancing military cooperation, supporting the army's capabilities, and addressing regional security challenges. The talks emphasized the army's role in maintaining Lebanon's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and civil peace amidst the country's profound political and economic crises.

The Graham confrontation and its implications

The visit took a dramatic turn during a meeting with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham. Following their discussion, Graham publicly criticized Haykal on social media, stating he "quickly ended the meeting" after the commander declined to say Hezbollah is a "terrorist organization." Graham declared, "As long as this attitude exists from the Lebanese Armed Forces, I don’t think we have a reliable partner in them," adding he was "tired of the double speak in the Middle East." This incident highlights a core American demand that clashes with the delicate reality of Lebanese politics, where the army maintains a fragile coexistence with Hezbollah to avoid civil conflict.

Context of weapons plan and regional ceasefire

Commander Haykal's visit occurs as the Lebanese army is tasked with implementing a government-approved plan to restrict weapons to state authority—a policy directly aimed at Hezbollah's arsenal. Haykal is expected to report on the plan's progress, which has seen limited implementation south of the Litani River. The situation is further complicated by an unresolved ceasefire with Israel; although a 2024 agreement halted major hostilities, the Israeli army has only partially withdrawn from southern Lebanon, maintaining a presence at several border outposts in violation of the truce terms.