MTV's correspondent in Washington reported that all meetings scheduled today for Army Commander Rodolph Haykal have been canceled. MTV's correspondent in Washington: The visit of Army Commander Rodolph Haykal to Washington, scheduled for today, has been canceled due to the Lebanese Army’s latest statement. He added that MTV's correspondent in Washington: The immediate reason behind canceling the Army Commander’s visit is a U.S. objection to the Lebanese Army’s latest statement, which faulted Israel and framed it as the source of the problem, while pointedly avoiding any criticism of Hezbollah.
In parallel, the Lebanese Embassy in Washington informed attendees that MTV's correspondent in Washington: The formal welcoming ceremony for Haykal at the embassy in Washington has been canceled. The event had been arranged for Haykal to meet members of the Lebanese community, some of whom had traveled from various states and were caught off guard by the abrupt cancellation.
According to congressional sources, the Army’s statement prompted significant backlash among several prominent members of Congress, who argued that its tone undermines Washington’s longstanding support for the Lebanese military. In the hours following the statement’s release, senators Lindsey Graham and Joni Ernst issued sharp criticism of the Army’s leadership, accusing it of projecting weakness toward Hezbollah and jeopardizing the trust the United States has built with the Lebanese Armed Forces. Graham went further, declaring that the Lebanese Army “is no longer a good investment” for the United States.
Against this backdrop, MTV sources: The Lebanese file has been referred to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio following the latest developments, given his central role in reshaping policy toward Lebanon. The matter is now being handled within the State Department and relevant congressional committees, where discussions are underway about the implications for future assistance.
As these deliberations continue, Sources to MTV: Continued cooperation with the Lebanese Army and the aid it receives will now depend on the positions it takes in the coming period, particularly on the border and on disarmament. Officials emphasized that any language or stance conflicting with U.S. policy toward Israel will directly affect support levels and the broader bilateral relationship.
In parallel, the Lebanese Embassy in Washington informed attendees that MTV's correspondent in Washington: The formal welcoming ceremony for Haykal at the embassy in Washington has been canceled. The event had been arranged for Haykal to meet members of the Lebanese community, some of whom had traveled from various states and were caught off guard by the abrupt cancellation.
According to congressional sources, the Army’s statement prompted significant backlash among several prominent members of Congress, who argued that its tone undermines Washington’s longstanding support for the Lebanese military. In the hours following the statement’s release, senators Lindsey Graham and Joni Ernst issued sharp criticism of the Army’s leadership, accusing it of projecting weakness toward Hezbollah and jeopardizing the trust the United States has built with the Lebanese Armed Forces. Graham went further, declaring that the Lebanese Army “is no longer a good investment” for the United States.
Against this backdrop, MTV sources: The Lebanese file has been referred to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio following the latest developments, given his central role in reshaping policy toward Lebanon. The matter is now being handled within the State Department and relevant congressional committees, where discussions are underway about the implications for future assistance.
As these deliberations continue, Sources to MTV: Continued cooperation with the Lebanese Army and the aid it receives will now depend on the positions it takes in the coming period, particularly on the border and on disarmament. Officials emphasized that any language or stance conflicting with U.S. policy toward Israel will directly affect support levels and the broader bilateral relationship.
