NNA - Order of the Day on the Occasion of General Rodolphe Haykal Taking Command of the Army

Fellow Troops, 

It is a matter of pride and honor for me to receive the high trust of the President of the Republic, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, General Joseph Aoun, and the Council of Ministers, to take on the leadership of the Lebanese Army, which is entrusted with the unity, sovereignty, and independence of Lebanon. This trust comes with a great responsibility, especially amid the difficult circumstances our region is experiencing, and it compels me to exert my utmost efforts to uphold this trust and advance with you in the path of honor, sacrifice, and loyalty.

My appointment as Commander of the Lebanese Army represents a continuation of many years of my military service, during which I have been honored to serve the nation. I have witnessed firsthand the determination of the personnel of our military institution and the renewed hope in their hearts. I have come to understand the resilience of this institution in the face of challenges, built upon the foundations of sacrifice and martyrdom.

Fellow Troops, 

The Lebanese Army’s continued role as a guarantor of our nation requires the combined efforts of all of us as brothers in arms—officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers. It demands our adherence to national principles, our unwavering belief in military service and the sanctity of duty, and our steadfast will.

The historical challenges we face, particularly the ongoing threats and attacks from the Israeli enemy, keep the bet of the new era, as well as the hope of all every Lebanese, on our steadfastness, continuity, and success in providing the security and stability necessary for our country to embark on the path of economic, social, and developmental recovery. The Lebanese Army's responsibility at this critical period is of utmost importance, as it works to implement UN Resolution 1701 in cooperation with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), in addition to fortifying our internal front against the threat of terrorism.

Fellow Troops, 

In these exceptional circumstances, know that as your Commander, I stand in front of you and with you,

• With you in constantly striving to improve your conditions and support your rights after a period during which you have endured significant pressures.
• With you in fulfilling our respective roles and duties to develop and modernize our institution, reaching the highest standards.
• With you to preserve our independence, monitor the conditions of our wounded, and honor the legacy of our martyrs, setting an example in commitment, sacrifice, competence, transparency, and integrity.
• With you to fulfill the hopes of the Lebanese people across various regions, especially the young generations, and to live up to the aspirations of the citizens to restore Lebanon’s bright cultural status and distinguished position.

As our experiences have taught us, the unity of the Lebanese people and their solidarity around their Army are sufficient to overcome obstacles, no matter how hard. Let us all work according to our values and principles—the principles of honor, sacrifice, and loyalty—for the revival and stability of Lebanon.

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