The Lebanese Army is preparing for a series of high-profile international engagements in the coming weeks, signaling renewed momentum in both its security operations and diplomatic outreach.

After a setback late last year in its ties with Washington—when a planned visit by Army Commander Gen. Rodolphe Haykal to the United States was canceled—the issues have been resolved, and a new trip has been scheduled for February 3–5. During the visit, Haykal is expected to meet with the U.S. Congress Defense Committee, as well as with U.S. Central Command and U.S. Army Central, reflecting efforts to strengthen military ties and secure international support.

In March, Paris will host an international conference aimed at backing the Lebanese Army. The date was agreed upon during a meeting last Wednesday at Baabda Palace, which included representatives of the international quintet and President Joseph Aoun.

The centerpiece of these international efforts is the army’s plan to consolidate all weapons under its authority. In Washington, Haykal is expected to present a comprehensive security dossier detailing the army’s accomplishments south of the Litani River, including photographs and inventories of dismantled Hezbollah sites, tunnels, and weapons depots. The dossier will also feature maps of army deployments and outline the second phase of the plan, with a tentative timeline to extend operations from the Litani River to the Awali River and, ultimately, across all Lebanese territory.

Western diplomatic sources told Nidaa Al-Watan that the rescheduling of Haykal’s visit, coordinated by multiple intermediaries including U.S. Ambassador Michel Issa and Saudi envoy Prince Yazid bin Farhan, was based on clear objectives.

“The goal is to show that the Lebanese Army is serious about completing the weapons control process across the country, south and north of the Litani, within defined timeframes,” one official said.

The same approach applies to the upcoming support conference in France. The army is expected to submit its plan for northern Litani to the Cabinet in early February. Officials say the plan will determine both the number of conference participants and the scale of financial, military, and logistical support that can be mobilized for the army.

Officials also warn that the army’s expansion of operations north of the Litani is likely to strain its relationship with Hezbollah.

“Until recently, Hezbollah praised the army’s leadership for focusing weapons collection only in the south,” a senior official said. “Now it’s clear the army is moving north and coordinating with international partners to get the support it needs to keep the plan on track.”

“The Lebanese state and army are fully aware of the reality on the ground and will act accordingly,” the official added, underscoring the army’s commitment to advancing its operations with international backing.