Feb 9 • 21:15 UTC 🇶🇦 Qatar Al Jazeera

The Lebanese Army denies holding a meeting with an Israeli officer in Florida

The Lebanese Army has firmly denied claims of a meeting with an Israeli officer in the United States, contesting reports from a local newspaper.

The Lebanese Army issued a strong denial on Monday regarding claims of a meeting between a Lebanese officer and an Israeli officer in Florida, USA. This denial was in response to an article published by the local newspaper 'Al-Akhbar,' which is associated with Hezbollah, stating that a meeting took place at the Central Command headquarters in Tampa, involving the Lebanese Army's Colonel Georges Saqr. The article suggested that the meeting was facilitated by a senior American military officer, further intensifying the controversy surrounding military interactions between Lebanon and Israel.

In its statement, the Lebanese Army categorically refuted the claims made in the article, asserting that the publication contained false information and that the mentioned meeting had never occurred. The Army emphasized that all its meetings are conducted within legal frameworks and aim at upholding Lebanon's sovereignty and national interests. This assertion highlights the delicate nature of military communications in the region, particularly given the historical tensions between Lebanon and Israel, which are often exacerbated by reports of unauthorized engagements.

The denial from the Lebanese Army also reflects the broader political and military dynamics in the region, especially as tensions remain high due to various geopolitical factors. The implications of such reports can lead to significant repercussions in Lebanon, particularly related to national security perceptions and public trust in military leaders. Moreover, the involvement of a U.S. military officer in the alleged meeting adds another layer of complexity, raising questions about the role of external powers in Lebanese-Israeli relations and potential military cooperation.

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