Admiral Haykal Discusses Challenges Facing the Army with Congressional Delegation

Beirut: Army Commander General Rodolphe Oueidat discussed with U.S. Congress members Darin LaHood and Josh Gottheimer, along with their accompanying delegation, the latest developments in Lebanon and the region, and explored ways to overcome the difficulties and challenges facing the army in carrying out its assigned missions. The discussion also covered the operations conducted by the army across Lebanese territory.

The meeting took place during General Oueidat’s reception of the delegation at his office in Jounieh. LaHood praised the military’s sacrifices and emphasized “the importance of the army’s role in maintaining security and stability in the country.”

For his part, MP Fouad Mazrouei, during a reception in honor of U.S. Congress members Darin LaHood and Josh Gottheimer, attended by several MPs, stated that “Lebanon’s recovery begins with restoring the state’s authority over its entire territory, including its exclusive authority over decisions of war and peace.”

He thanked U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration for their commitment to peace in the region, stressing the need to “translate the three-party framework agreement into practical steps, including expanding the authority of the Lebanese army, disarming Hezbollah and all other militias, and achieving a complete Israeli withdrawal in parallel, with a reliable verification mechanism to ensure civilian protection.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam returned to Beirut and held phone calls with President of the Republic General Joseph Aoun and Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri, briefing them on the latest developments from his visit to New York and Washington.