Washington, DC – US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham sparked controversy with statements questioning the “reliability” of the Lebanese army as a US partner.
He based his doubts on its stance toward Hezbollah, which Washington designates as a terrorist organization.
In a post on the X platform, Graham said he held a “very brief meeting”
with Lebanese Army Commander General Rudolph Haykal during his visit to the United States.
He added that he asked Haykal directly whether he considered Hezbollah a terrorist organization.
According to Graham, the army commander replied, “No, not in the context of Lebanon,” prompting the senator to end the meeting immediately.
Graham emphasized that Hezbollah is “clearly a terrorist organization.”
He asserted that the movement “has American blood on its hands,” referring to past attacks targeting US forces.
For example, he mentioned the 1983 bombing of the US Marine barracks in Beirut.
He added that Hezbollah has been designated a foreign terrorist organization
by both Republican and Democratic US administrations since 1997. Moreover, he stated this was “for good reason.”
Double standards in dealing with Hezbollah
The US senator emphasized that as long as the Lebanese army maintains this stance, he does not consider it a “reliable partner.” He added that “much is at stake.”
He also expressed his dissatisfaction with what he described as the “double standards” in dealing with Hezbollah.
Graham’s remarks came as the Lebanese army commander concluded an official visit to the United States from February 2nd to 5th.
The visit was at the invitation of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff.
During the visit, General Haykal held a series of meetings with officials at the White House and the Departments of Defense and State.
He also met with members of the Senate and House of Representatives.
Discussions focused on the situation in Lebanon and the region,
and ways to strengthen military and security cooperation between Beirut and Washington.
During the visit, US officials praised the Lebanese army’s role in maintaining stability and implementing international resolutions, particularly in southern Lebanon, considering it a pivotal institution for the country’s security.
This makes Graham’s statements indicative of a divergence of opinion within US political circles.
There is disagreement regarding the nature and future of this cooperation.
