Lebanese Army Commander Vows to Reclaim All Land, Emphasizes Civil Peace as Nation's Strongest Shield

Lebanon - Ekhbary News Agency

Lebanese Army Commander General Rodolphe Heikal affirmed that Lebanon would reclaim every inch of its territory, stressing that civil peace represents the impregnable fortress and the most powerful weapon to protect the country, safeguard its unity, and sovereignty. This resolute statement came during an inspection visit by General Heikal to the command of the 12th Infantry Brigade at Qobbeh barracks in the northern city of Tripoli, where he met with officers and soldiers and assessed their operational readiness.

Commitment to Land Reclamation and the Role of Civil Peace

During the visit, which included a field inspection of the tasks carried out in the brigade's sector, the Army Commander offered condolences for the martyrdom of a comrade who fell during an army patrol conducting a security operation in the Tabbaneh area on April 17, 2026, wishing a swift recovery for the injured. General Heikal praised the steadfastness of the military personnel and their dedication to duty, reaffirming his firm belief in the nation's unity and integrity.

General Heikal emphasized that civil peace is not merely a slogan but a fundamental pillar of Lebanese national security, serving as a protective shield against all threats and challenges facing Lebanon, whether internal or external. He clarified that this peace is solidified and strengthened by the stability of the military institution and its continuous sacrifices, which have never hesitated to offer its finest sons for the sake of the homeland.

Warning Against Undermining the Army's Role and its Impact on National Security

In a clear and firm message, the Lebanese Army Commander warned against the grave consequences of any assault or questioning of the national army's role. He pointed out that such attempts only serve the interests and expansionist goals of the Israeli occupation, directly fueling internal strife and undermining stability. He affirmed that the Lebanese Army, with all its units and formations, remains the sole guarantor of the country's unity and the security of its citizens, representing a red line that must not be crossed or manipulated.

General Heikal reiterated that throughout history, the military institution has made immense sacrifices, offering martyrs and wounded in defense of Lebanon and its people against all threats. This rich history of sacrifice grants the army its legitimacy and strength, placing it above all suspicions and political opportunism.

Call to Uphold the Message of "Honor, Sacrifice, and Loyalty"

The Army Commander also reaffirmed Lebanon's absolute right to reclaim all its occupied territories, stressing that this right is inalienable and non-negotiable. He urged military personnel to place the nation's interest above all considerations and to strictly adhere to the army's sacred message of "Honor, Sacrifice, and Loyalty," which embodies the core of Lebanese military doctrine.

General Heikal also inspected units deployed at Abu Ali town, where he commended the high morale and combat readiness of the personnel. He asserted that the security of the Lebanese people is intrinsically linked to the performance of every soldier, and that the army's strength and steadfastness are the only path to the nation's salvation from current and future challenges. This continuous readiness reflects the army's commitment to protecting borders and ensuring internal security amidst complex regional and international circumstances.

Diplomacy as a Strategic Choice and National Responsibility

The Army Commander's statements come at a time when the Lebanese and regional arenas are witnessing intensive diplomatic activity. In this context, Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, had previously affirmed from Luxembourg that the option of diplomacy is not a sign of weakness but an expression of profound national responsibility. Salam emphasized that Lebanon is moving towards a permanent and comprehensive solution to its issues, not merely symbolic or temporary ones, which aligns with the army's vision of safeguarding the country's sovereignty and full rights.

This alignment between the military and political leadership on the importance of diplomacy as a tool for protecting national interests reflects a unified Lebanese approach to addressing challenges. Diplomacy, as Lebanese President Joseph Aoun hinted in a previous statement, can be "war without bloodshed," a strategy aimed at achieving national goals without resorting to armed conflict, while maintaining the army's defensive capability as a final guarantor of sovereignty.

The challenges facing Lebanon are multifaceted, ranging from border tensions with Israel, which periodically witness escalations such as Hezbollah rocket launches and Israeli shelling, to internal economic and political crises. Under these circumstances, the Lebanese Army remains the most trusted institution by the people, bearing significant responsibility for maintaining security and stability, while the political leadership works to find sustainable solutions through diplomatic channels, supported by the army's strength and steadfastness.