Lebanon's army chief, General Rodolphe Haykal, embarked on an unannounced visit to Pakistan on Tuesday, as cross-border hostilities with Israel showed no signs of abating. The trip comes days after several Lebanese soldiers were killed in Israeli airstrikes, and funeral arrangements for the fallen troops are underway.
Official sources in Beirut confirmed that General Haykal is expected to hold talks with Pakistani military and civilian leaders, focusing on bilateral defense cooperation and potential assistance in the face of mounting regional tensions. The visit underscores Lebanon's efforts to seek international support as fighting along its southern border intensifies.
Meanwhile, preparations are being made for the funerals of the soldiers who died in Israeli attacks earlier this week. The Lebanese Armed Forces have announced that services will be held in their home villages, with full military honors. The deaths have sparked outrage among the public and calls for retaliation.
Pakistan, a key Muslim nation with significant influence in the region, has maintained a neutral stance on the Israel-Lebanon conflict but has historically voiced support for Lebanese sovereignty. This visit signals a possible shift in engagement as the crisis deepens.