Visit of the Lebanese Army Commander-In-Chief General Rodolph Haykal to the United States of America

Army Commander-In-Chief General Rodolph Haykal visited the United States of America from 2 to 5 February 2026, following an official invitation from the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff.  The visit was conducted as part of efforts to further enhance military and security cooperation between Lebanon and the United States, and to advance the ongoing strategic dialogue between the commands of the two armies. It also falls within a broader framework of continuous consultation and close coordination with international partners.

During the visit, General Haykal held a series of high-level meetings with White House advisers; officials from the Departments of Defense and State; members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, representatives of the National Security Council; as well as senior military and security officials. Discussions focused on strengthening military cooperation and enhancing support for the Lebanese Army’s capabilities, while also addressing regional security developments, the challenges currently facing Lebanon, and the Army’s central role in maintaining security and stability, upholding state sovereignty and territorial integrity, and preserving civil peace amid the country’s particularly sensitive and complex internal circumstances.

In this context, General Haykal met with the Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, in Washington, where they discussed the overall situation in Lebanon and the region, as well as avenues for further strengthening cooperation between the Lebanese and U.S. armies. The Army Commander began his visit at U.S. Central Command headquarters in Tampa, where he held meetings with the Commander of U.S. Central Command, Admiral Charles B. Cooper; the Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (MARCENT); and the Chairman of the Mechanism for Monitoring the Cessation of Hostilities, U.S. General Joseph Clearfield. Talks focused on coordination frameworks to address threats facing Lebanon amid ongoing regional shifts, security developments along the southern border, and mechanisms to support the Lebanese Army in strengthening its capabilities in the forthcoming phase.

During these meetings, General Haykal conveyed his appreciation and gratitude to the U.S. authorities for their ongoing efforts to enhance the capabilities of various military units.

On another note, U.S. authorities welcomed the visit, with officials praising the Lebanese Army for its steadfast commitment to upholding international law and executing its operational plan in the South Litani sector, recognizing the Army as the guarantor of security and stability in Lebanon. The U.S. side also reiterated its continued support for the Lebanese Army, committing to provide the necessary resources to enable them to successfully fulfillment of its missions nationwide, thereby reinforcing Lebanon’s role in the region and protecting it from regional repercussions.

The Army Commander-In-Chief also met with members of the Lebanese community at the Lebanese Embassy in Washington, reaffirming that Lebanon’s revival depends on the collective efforts of all citizens, particularly the expatriate community, in advancing the country’s progress. He highlighted that the Lebanese Army continues to move forward with determination, striving toward a stable and prosperous future for Lebanon.

This visit falls within the framework of engagement with international partners, serving the interests of Lebanon and the military institution, and enhancing its ability to fulfill its national duties and assert state authority across all Lebanese territory.