Haykal says Lebanon moving forward with 'firm steps'

"Lebanon is moving forward with firm steps, despite all difficulties," stated Army Chief Rodolphe Haykal during a reception at the Lebanese Embassy in Washington.

Speaking on Tuesday, Haykal expressed his unwavering faith in both the military and the crisis and war-hit country.

He called for national unity and extended his gratitude to the U.S. for its continued support for the army.

While acknowledging that current progress may not yet meet the full expectations of the Lebanese people, he emphasized that tangible steps forward are being made.

Haykal held a series of security meetings in Washington.

The U.S. embassy welcomed in a statement Monday the army’s "ongoing work to disarm non-state actors and reinforce national sovereignty."

A previous visit by Haykal to Washington was cancelled amid claims from the U.S. that the army's efforts to disarm Hezbollah were not sufficient.

In January, the Lebanese army said it had completed the first phase of its plan to disarm Hezbollah, covering the area south of the Litani river, around 30 kilometers from the Israeli border. It will now move to the second phase of the plan, north of the Litani river.

Israel, deeming the army's efforts "insufficient", intensified its strikes on south Lebanon, especially on the region north of the Litani river, where the Lebanese army will implement the second phase of the plan.