It explained that Haykal met with Knighton and discussed with him ways to support the Lebanese Army and strengthen military cooperation between the two countries.
He also met with British National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell and discussed with him the latest developments in southern Lebanon and options for the post-UNIFIL mission phase.
These discussions gain special importance as the current mandate of the international force approaches its end on December 31, 2026, pursuant to Security Council Resolution 2790 issued in August 2025, with a gradual and safe withdrawal scheduled to begin during 2027.
The Lebanese state, led by the army, is expected to assume broader security responsibilities in the south as the role of "UNIFIL" recedes, in parallel with Lebanese demands for Israel's withdrawal from the sites it still occupies within Lebanese territory.
"UNIFIL" has been deployed in southern Lebanon since 1978, and its role was strengthened following the July 2006 war under Resolution 1701 to include monitoring the cessation of hostilities, supporting the deployment of the Lebanese Army south of the Litani River, and coordinating between the Lebanese and Israeli sides.
During his visit, Haykal participated in the tenth annual meeting of the "Dragon" group, which included commanders and representatives from the armies of Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and the UAE, in addition to a representative from the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The Army Command stated that the meeting addressed common challenges and ways to deepen cooperation to support regional security and stability, in addition to a number of regional and international issues.
Haykal also held two separate meetings with the Chief of Staff of the Qatari Armed Forces, Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Mannai, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Jordanian Armed Forces, Majdi Mohammad Al-Harasis.
The two meetings discussed cooperation relations between the Lebanese Army and both the Qatari and Jordanian armies, in light of the developments the region is witnessing.
Haykal's visit to Britain comes at a time when the Lebanese Army is working to strengthen its deployment and capabilities in the south, in parallel with security arrangements that followed the "framework formula" reached by Beirut and Tel Aviv under American sponsorship on June 26, 2026.
The formula stipulates a gradual Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, the deployment of the Lebanese Army in areas from which Israeli forces withdraw, and the disarmament of non-state armed groups.
Despite this, Israel continues to carry out attacks in southern Lebanon, and it still occupies Lebanese areas, some for decades and others seized during recent military operations.
Beirut demands a full Israeli withdrawal from its territory and the extension of state authority over all Lebanese lands.
