Overview
- Lebanese media and officials say Washington called off Gen. Rodolphe Haykal’s planned meetings and the Lebanese Embassy canceled a reception in his honor.
- The move followed an LAF statement issued after Israeli fire on a UNIFIL patrol that blamed Israeli violations for instability and referred to Israel as the enemy.
- Senators Lindsey Graham and Joni Ernst publicly criticized the LAF and questioned continued U.S. support given the army’s approach to Hezbollah.
- MTV reported the issue was referred to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and that future cooperation could hinge on the LAF’s positions on border arrangements and Hezbollah’s disarmament.
- The United States has provided more than $3 billion in assistance to the LAF, including recent deliveries, but formal policy or aid changes have not been announced.