US Cancels Meetings with Lebanese Army Chief After Statement Against Israel

The US cancels meetings with Lebanese Army Chief after a recent statement made by the Lebanese Army about tensions with Israel.

The US stopped the planned meetings with General Rudolf Hachem in Washington. The US reacted to the statement that the Lebanese Army released on Sunday. That statement discussed rising border tensions with Israel.

A Lebanese security official said the cancellation happened suddenly. Due to this, General Hachem also canceled his Washington visit.

He planned to arrive on Tuesday for talks on military assistance and border security cooperation.

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A US official confirmed the cancellation but did not give a reason. The US Embassy in Beirut also did not comment.

The US has supported the Lebanese Army for the past two decades. It has given more than 3 billion dollars to help strengthen state institutions in Lebanon, where Hezbollah holds strong influence.

In the Sunday statement, the Lebanese Army accused Israel of violating Lebanon’s sovereignty. It said Israel was causing instability and blocking troop deployment in the south.

The statement also condemned a recent attack on a UNIFIL base. It said Israel’s actions needed urgent attention because they could raise tensions to a dangerous level.

Israel maintains five posts inside Lebanon. It also carries out airstrikes in the south, saying these strikes target Hezbollah positions.

In the end, the US cancels meetings with Lebanese Army Chief, which adds more uncertainty to the already tense situation.