Lebanese army commander condemns attacks on the military institution

22nd May 2026

3 minutes read

Lebanese army commander condemns attacks on the military institution

Rodolphe Haykal says that questioning the army’s role, accusing it of negligence, and spreading sectarian rumors will not deter it from carrying out its duties.

The commander of the Lebanese army, General Rodolphe Haykal, said on Friday that the military institution continues to perform its duties in response to the consequences of the Israeli aggression, condemning attacks against it. He stated that the Lebanese army will stand as a barrier against attempts to destabilize the country and expressed hope that every inch of national territory will eventually be recovered, in response to criticism and accusations from forces and figures close to Hezbollah.

In a statement marking the anniversary of “Resistance and Liberation,” he stressed that attacks on the Lebanese army, questioning its role, accusing it of negligence, and spreading sectarian rumors will not prevent it from continuing to fulfill its duty.

Media outlets, some of which are close to the Shiite alliance, have criticized the Lebanese army, accusing its leadership of being unable to respond to Israeli attacks, amid broader criticism of the Lebanese government’s decision to engage in direct negotiations with Israel under U.S. mediation.

Criticism of the army has intensified following the decision to restrict weapons exclusively to the state, under international pressure and Israeli demands, while the Iran-backed Shiite group refuses to comply, reaffirming its retention of its arsenal amid fears of escalation and potential internal or sectarian conflict.

This is not the first time Hezbollah’s popular base has accused the Lebanese military institution of weakness, amid discussions about plans for the army to assume control of areas from which Israeli forces might withdraw in the event of a peace agreement. However, media campaigns and social media activity have reached an unprecedented level.

Haykal praised the anniversary of Resistance and Liberation, which commemorates the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon on May 25, 2000, after 22 years of occupation, saying that “this occasion represents a bright national milestone in Lebanon’s history and reflects the Lebanese people’s attachment to their land, sovereignty, and national dignity in the face of Israeli occupation.”

He emphasized that Lebanon continues to face the consequences of ongoing Israeli aggression, which has caused widespread destruction and thousands of deaths and injuries, particularly in the south, alongside the continued occupation of Lebanese grounds.

He noted that the army is exerting maximum efforts under complex conditions and rising risks to mitigate the effects of the aggression and support citizens, especially displaced persons and those who remained in their areas.

He also stressed that the military institution is carrying out its missions alongside security duties, including counterterrorism and combating organized crime, calling on soldiers to remain committed to their mission and maintain readiness and morale. He affirmed that civil peace and national unity are the fundamental pillars of Lebanon’s protection, and that the army’s steadfastness and determination constitute a guarantee of stability.

These remarks come amid a field escalation by the Israeli army in southern Lebanon, where four people were killed and five others injured, including two paramedics, early Friday, as a result of two Israeli airstrikes.

The Lebanese National News Agency reported that an Israeli airstrike targeted a position of the “Islamic Health Authority” in the town of Hanawiya in the Tyre district, killing four people and injuring paramedics from the organization.

It added that three other people were injured in a strike targeting the Al-Hafour area between the towns of Siddiqine and Qana.

The agency did not specify the identities of the victims, amid ongoing Israeli violations of the fragile ceasefire agreement announced on April 17 and extended until early July.

On Thursday, Lebanon’s Ministry of Health announced that the death toll from the Israeli aggression since March 2 had risen to 3,089, with 9,397 injured, in addition to more than one million displaced people, according to official data.

Israel occupies areas in southern Lebanon, some for decades and others since the previous 2023–2024 war, while its forces have recently advanced into parts of the southern border region during the current escalation.