Lebanese Army Chief: Army Will Be an 'Impregnable Barrier' Against Any Disruption of Security and Stability
Army Commander Rudolf Heikal affirmed that the army serves as an impregnable barrier for security, calling for its preservation and continuity, while expressing appreciation for the army's efforts at Rene Mouawad Air Base.
Translated by Qiyas from الأنباء — Original source
Lebanese Army Commander Major General Rodolphe Heikal affirmed that the army would serve as an “impregnable barrier” against any threat to Lebanon’s security and stability. This statement came during a speech delivered by Major General Heikal at a military meeting held at the command headquarters, attended by the general staff, unit commanders, and brigade leaders, which was dedicated to reviewing current developments in Lebanon and the region, monitoring security and military conditions, and addressing challenges associated with the current phase.
The Lebanese Army Commander stated that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) represents the “historical memory of the conflict with the Israeli occupation,” serves as an observer of the implementation of international resolutions, documents violations and aggressions, and bears witness to the occupation’s atrocities, thereby underscoring the necessity of its continued presence and mission execution.
Heikal added that the army’s message is the “national message,” and its primary objective is to “preserve internal unity, stability, and civil peace, safeguard national sovereignty, and implement the decisions of the political authority by extending state authority across the entirety of its territory.”
The Lebanese Army Commander emphasized the necessity of achieving the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation from occupied Lebanese territories, expressing appreciation for the efforts of army units in maintaining internal security, monitoring borders, and thwarting smuggling operations.
He noted that the army’s reliance on its own capabilities has contributed to enhancing its capacities and qualifying the President René Moawad Airport (Qleiaat), affirming that the army has accomplished “tasks exceeding its capacity thanks to the resilience of its soldiers and the trust of the Lebanese people in them.”
The Lebanese Army Commander called on military personnel to demonstrate awareness and responsibility, maintain readiness and preparedness for all contingencies “without betting on any international or regional developments,” while affirming that the Lebanese leadership stands by the military and is committed to improving their conditions.
