The U.S. cancellation of Lebanese Army Commander General Rodolf Haykal's Washington visit highlights deeper tensions over Beirut’s handling of Hezbollah, sources told Al-Modon. American officials have reportedly expressed growing frustration with Haykal, citing what they see as his failure to act decisively against the group.

Sources indicate that the U.S. disapproval is not limited to the Army Command's recent statement criticizing Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty. Rather, it is part of a broader pattern of scrutiny over the army’s conduct. The commander has repeatedly resisted U.S. and Israeli demands to conduct searches of homes in southern Lebanon for Hezbollah weapons, arguing that such operations would escalate tensions and restrict civilian freedoms.

This standoff follows a cumulative context of rising U.S. criticism. Earlier, U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus reportedly criticized Haykal before Lebanese political leaders, accusing him of bias and inaction against Hezbollah. She later met with Haykal privately, acknowledging the army’s efforts despite repeated Israeli attacks and operational constraints in the south, but made it clear that Washington continues to view the military as falling short of expectations. 

By canceling Haykal's visit, sources noted, the U.S. sent a clear signal that Lebanese military statements should not be interpreted as political alignment. Any perceived bias against Israel could immediately jeopardize American assistance. From Washington’s perspective, the army is no longer permitted to maintain full neutrality or issue accounts that contradict Israeli claims. Congressional hawks have called for increased scrutiny, questioning why U.S. funds should support a military that does not actively oppose Hezbollah. The expectation is now that the Lebanese Army publicly take a stance against Hezbollah rather than remain neutral or issue statements that challenge Israel.