Key facts
- Lebanese army commander Rodolphe Haykal accused Israel of deliberately obstructing Lebanese troop deployment in southern Lebanon.
- Haykal stated that Israeli attacks and violations are hindering the army's mission to deploy in areas vacated by Israeli forces.
- The deployment is part of a US-brokered security framework agreement for phased Israeli withdrawal and Lebanese army takeover.
- Lebanese forces have begun deploying to designated "pilot zones" as part of the agreement.
- Lebanon intends to demand a complete halt to Israeli attacks during upcoming negotiations in Rome.
Lebanon's army commander, Rodolphe Haykal, has accused Israel of deliberately obstructing the Lebanese military's efforts to complete its deployment in southern Lebanon. Haykal stated on Thursday that Israel persists in its attacks and repeated violations, hindering the army's mission to take over security in areas from which Israeli forces are meant to withdraw.
These remarks come as the Lebanese army continues its deployment into designated "pilot zones" under a US-brokered security framework. This agreement envisions phased Israeli withdrawals, followed by the deployment of Lebanese troops to restore state authority and facilitate the return of displaced residents. The Lebanese military has begun deploying to some of these "pilot zone" villages, though concerns remain about the pace and sincerity of Israel's withdrawal.
Haykal emphasized the Lebanese army's readiness to deploy to all areas vacated by Israeli forces and its commitment to ensuring the safe return of the population. However, military sources indicate that continued Israeli attacks are the primary obstacle to implementing the agreement. Lebanon plans to make a complete halt to Israeli violations a central demand during upcoming indirect negotiations with Israel in Rome, mediated by the United States.
Recent Israeli military actions, including drone strikes and controlled demolitions in southern towns, underscore the ongoing tensions and challenges in implementing the security arrangement. The scale of the army's responsibilities, Haykal noted, requires greater international backing to strengthen its capabilities.