The US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, linked the continued presence of Israeli forces in southern Lebanon to the extent of the Lebanese Army’s ability to assume security responsibility in the region, stressing that building this competence requires an upward and gradual path.
Huckabee explained, in press statements, that the Israeli army will remain stationed in southern Lebanon “until the Lebanese army becomes strong,” pointing to the centrality of the role of the Lebanese military establishment in the next stage. In a previous interview, the American ambassador ruled out this transformation occurring immediately, saying: “I do not think it will happen with the push of a button,” stressing the need for the Lebanese army to develop to assume the position of the only military and security force in the country.
Regarding Iran, Huckabee expected the outbreak of popular anti-government movements in the future, adding: “At some point, I think we will witness another uprising.” He pointed out that Iranians who wish to confront their country’s authorities suffer from a major obstacle, which is their lack of weapons, suggesting that any anticipated movement may arise under different given circumstances.
These developments come at a time when international circles are intensifying their efforts to support the capabilities of the Lebanese Army, in conjunction with the ongoing discussions about its future security role in the south and the fate of the international presence after the end of the missions of the UNIFIL forces. In this context, the French capital, Paris, hosted, on September 17, 2026, an international military meeting devoted to discussing the urgent needs of the Lebanese army and ways to provide support to it after the end of the international force’s mission.
