Latest news with #Haykal
L'Orient-Le Jour
6 hours ago
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
EU announces new €12.5 million project to support the Lebanese Army
The European Union announced "a new €12.5 million project to support the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in leading recovery efforts, enhancing security and helping communities in southern Lebanon rebuild. The project will be implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)," in a statement Wednesday. The ceremony, held at the Lebanese Army's headquarters in Yarzeh, was attended by army Commander General Rodolph Haykal, EU Ambassador to Lebanon Sandra De Waele, UNDP Resident Representative in Lebanon Blerta Aliko, and representatives from UNSCOL. "This EU-funded project responds to the ongoing impact of the 13-month war, which continues to claim lives and damage infrastructure and public services across the country," the statement said. The World Bank estimates, in a final report in March, the total cost of damage at $6.8 billion in the regions affected by Israeli bombings, with economic losses amounting to $7.2 billion. These estimates cover the period from Oct. 8, 2023, the date the hostilities began between the two belligerents, to Dec. 20, 2024. "It will help the Lebanese Armed Forces support communities in southern Lebanon to recover and rebuild. This includes clearing rubble and unexploded ordnance, repairing critical infrastructure — such as water networks and public health centres — and strengthening cooperation with local communities," according to the statement. In his remarks, Haykal stated that "this project represents a critical milestone for the military institution, which bears immense responsibilities at the national level. The army continues to exert tremendous efforts to uphold the authority of the state across all Lebanese territory, implement international resolutions—particularly Resolution 1701—and safeguard the country's security and monitor its borders." "The project strengthens the army's capacity and sustainability, contributing directly to Lebanon's security and stability and to the safety of its people,' General Haykal added. "Together with EU Member States, we are providing over $600 million in support to conflict-affected areas in Lebanon, underscoring this commitment. These efforts complement our diplomatic work to push for the full implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 and for all parties to abide by the November 2024 ceasefire agreement," EU Ambassador Sandra De Waele said. Hezbollah and Israel engaged in a devastating war lasting more than 13 months, from October 2023 to November 2024, in the wake of the Gaza conflict. The party emerged significantly weakened by these clashes, which ended with a cease-fire that came into effect on Nov. 27. Despite this truce, the Israeli army continues to occupy five positions in southern Lebanon and persists in its violations of the agreement by almost daily bombarding the south, and more sporadically the Bekaa and southern suburbs of Beirut. The Lebanese Army has dismantled hundreds of Hezbollah's military infrastructure south of the Litani River, but the party still maintains its weapons north of this line and has so far refused to surrender its arsenal, as demanded by the international community, led by the United States and Israel.
Lebanese Army
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Lebanese Army
General Haykal's Visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Tuesday, 22 July 2025 On July 21 and 22, 2025, the Lebanese Armed Forces Commander, General Rodolph Haykal, visited the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan at the official invitation of his Jordanian counterpart, Major General Youssef Ahmed Al Hunaiti, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The visit aimed to discuss cooperation in addressing current challenges and to keep pace with developments. During the visit, General Haykal met with his Jordanian counterpart at the General Command of the Jordanian Armed Forces, where he was given official honors. They reviewed the latest developments and emphasized the importance of strategic partnership and continued cooperation and exchange of expertise between the Lebanese and Jordanian armed forces in various fields. General Haykal praised the role of the Jordanian Armed Forces in establishing security and stability amid the complex circumstances the region is experiencing. Additionally, the LAF Commander visited the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center (KASOTC), where he attended an exercise of the Jordanian Special Forces. He also visited several military manufacturing centers and observed their operations. He expressed his appreciation for the professionalism and discipline of the Jordanian Armed Forces.
Lebanese Army
7 days ago
- Politics
- Lebanese Army
Visitors to the LAF Commander
Wednesday, 16 July 2025 The Lebanese Armed Forces Commander, General Rodolph Haykal, received in his office in Yarzeh, French Ambassador to Lebanon Hervé Magro, with an accompanying military delegation. General Haykal also received Czech National Security Advisor Tomas Pojar, accompanied by Czech Ambassador to Lebanon Ester Lauferova. Discussions reportedly covered the general situation in Lebanon and the region. General Haykal also received Brig. Gen. Mason R. Dula, Commander of the US Combined Special Operations Joint Task Force-Central (CSOJTF-C), with an accompanying delegation. The discussion touched on the latest developments in the region.
Lebanese Army
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Lebanese Army
The LAF Commander Visits Several Units Deployed in the Western Bekaa
Monday, 23 June 2025 On Monday, June 23, 2025, the Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Rodolph Haykal visited the command of the 3rd Infantry Brigade in Joub Jannine, where he met with the officers and the soldiers. He praised their success in ensuring the security of the municipal and mayoral elections, commending their outstanding performance in maintaining stability despite the delicate situation in the region. He also listened to a briefing on the tasks executed in the area of responsibility and visited the Bayader El Aadas – Rashaya post. The LAF Commander emphasized that the efforts of the military personnel, regardless of their ranks and roles, contribute to safeguarding the nation and protecting the Lebanese people's security from the current crises. He added, "The military institution will continue to fulfill its responsibilities and will not back down regardless of the challenges." Additionally, General Haykal visited the command of the 3rd Land Border Regiment in Aita El Foukhar, where he received a briefing on the regiment's missions. He addressed the officers and soldiers, stating, "Your efforts in maintaining security are significant, as security is the foundation for the stability necessary to boost the economy and enhance confidence in Lebanon. We must continue to sacrifice and exhibit determination and resolve in the face of difficulties." He concluded by noting that the Command is making diligent efforts to improve the conditions of military personnel and is in continuous communication with the relevant parties in the Lebanese state. He also visited the Idris Castle center near the Lebanese-Syrian border, emphasizing the importance of soldiers' role in monitoring and securing the borders.
Lebanese Army
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Lebanese Army
Visit of the LAF Commander to the French Republic
Friday, 20 June 2025 The LAF Commander General Rodolph Haykal visited France on the 17th and 18th of June 2025, at the official invitation of his French counterpart, Chief of the Staff of the French Armed Forces General Thierry Burkhard. The visit aimed to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in addressing current challenges and to present the LAF's needs. General Haykal also attended an official reception at the residence of the French Minister of Defense, Sébastien Lecornu. During the visit, General Haykal met with his French counterpart at the French Armed Forces Headquarters, where he was accorded official honors. They discussed recent developments and underscored the importance of the longstanding partnership and enhancing cooperation between the Lebanese and French armies, as well as maintaining close coordination within the framework of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). General Haykal also toured the Planning and Operations Command Center at the French Armed Forces Headquarters. Additionally, General Haykal visited the 55th Paris Air Show at Le Bourget, where he met with senior officials from the French Ministry of Armed Forces.
