A planned visit to the United States by Lebanese Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal was canceled at the last minute, local media reported Tuesday. The move is seen as reflecting growing US frustration with Lebanon’s efforts to curb Hezbollah.

Haykal, who was scheduled to meet with senior American officials and garner support for the Lebanese army, will no longer travel to the US after several important meetings were reportedly canceled.

A reception ceremony to welcome Haykal, planned to be held at the Lebanese embassy in the US on Tuesday, has also been reportedly postponed.

Some local Lebanese media suggested that a recent statement by the Lebanese army contributed to the decision to cancel Haykal’s visit.

The statement in question is dated Sunday November 16, after the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) accused Israeli forces of firing at peacekeepers from a Merkava tank from near a position Israel has established in Lebanese territory.

“The Israeli army insists on violating Lebanese sovereignty, destabilizing Lebanon’s stability and obstructing the Lebanese army’s deployment in the south,” the army statement read.

“The army command affirms that it is working, in coordination with friendly countries, to put an end to the continued violations and breaches by the Israeli enemy, which require immediate action as they represent a dangerous escalation.”

Washington, according to reports, was dissatisfied with the statement that blames Israel rather than criticizing Hezbollah’s role along the south Lebanon border.

The Lebanese army has long been seen as a significant and essential player by the US, which has over the years offered support to the military institution to counter Hezbollah’s growing military capabilities.

Most recently in October, the Trump administration approved over $200 million in funds for the army and the Internal Security Forces (ISF).

However, US Senator Lindsey Graham on Monday offered some strong words.

“It is clear that the Lebanese Chief Head of Defense -- because of a reference to Israel as the enemy and his weak almost non-existent effort to disarm Hezbollah -- is a giant setback for efforts to move Lebanon forward,” Graham said in a post on X as a response to another post by Senator Joni Ernst, who shared the army statement.

“This combination makes the Lebanese Armed Forces not a very good investment for America,” Graham added.