Lebanese army commander's US visit cancelled Amid frustration over Hezbollah

A planned visit to the United States by Lebanese Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal was abruptly cancelled, reflecting growing Washington frustration with Lebanon’s handling of Hezbollah, per Al Arabiya. 

Haykal, who was scheduled to meet senior US officials and secure support for the Lebanese army, will no longer travel to the US after several key meetings were reportedly cancelled. A reception ceremony at the Lebanese embassy in Washington, originally planned for November 18, has also been postponed.

Some Lebanese media outlets linked the cancellation to a statement issued by the army on November 16, following a UN peacekeeping report accusing Israeli forces of firing at peacekeepers from a Merkava tank near a position Israel has established inside Lebanese territory.

“The Israeli army insists on violating Lebanese sovereignty, destabilising Lebanon’s stability, and obstructing the Lebanese army’s deployment in the south,” the statement read.

“The army command affirms that it is working, in coordination with friendly countries, to put an end to the continued violations and breaches by the Israeli enemy, which require immediate action as they represent a dangerous escalation.”

According to reports, Washington was displeased that the statement focused on Israel’s actions rather than criticising Hezbollah’s presence along Lebanon’s southern border.

The US has long viewed the Lebanese army as a key partner and has provided extensive support to counter Hezbollah’s growing military capabilities. In October, the Trump administration approved over $200 million in funding for the Lebanese army and the Internal Security Forces (ISF).

The US and Israel continue to pressure Lebanon to disarm the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, which has been weakened following conflict with Israel and amid fears of renewed hostilities. Washington has also intensified efforts to cut off Hezbollah’s funding, primarily sourced from Iran.

In November 2024, Lebanon and Israel reached a ceasefire ending more than a year of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, which had erupted following the Gaza conflict in October 2023.

By Khagan Isayev