Beirut: Rodolphe Haykal, commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, discussed the country's security situation with US Gen. Joseph Clairfield, head of the ceasefire monitoring mechanism committee with Israel. The talks took place during what was described as an 'exceptional' meeting at Beirut Air Base.

According to Anadolu Agency, the meeting was part of efforts to review developments and was described in a statement by the Lebanese army command. Haykal and Clairfield 'held an exceptional meeting' to discuss 'the security situation in Lebanon and regional developments, as well as ways to maximize the use of the mechanism and enhance its performance.'

The five-member mechanism committee includes representatives from the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Lebanon, Israel, France, and the US. Both sides emphasized 'the importance of the army's role and the need to support it during the current phase.'

The mechanism committee was established under the ceasefire agreement reached between Lebanon and Israel in November 2024 to oversee its implementation. Despite the agreement, Israel has continued to carry out attacks in Lebanon, reportedly to counter threats from Hezbollah. Many of these strikes have resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children.

In addition, Israel launched another offensive in Lebanon on March 2 following Hezbollah's retaliation to the Iran war. That conflict is also under a temporary US-mediated ceasefire until at least mid-May.