Lebanon’s Government Sets Sights on Disarming Palestinian Factions as Precursor to Hezbollah Challenge

Lebanon’s government has announced plans to disarm Palestinian factions in its refugee camps, marking a critical step in its aim to exert authority over all armed groups, including Hezbollah. This initiative comes after recent conflicts have diminished the strength of Iranian-backed militias in the region.

Lebanon is set to initiate a disarmament process of Palestinian armed groups located in its refugee camps starting in June, a move that underscores its objective of reintegrating control over all factions wielding arms within the country. A spokesman for the Prime Minister articulated that this effort serves as a preliminary test before tackling the more formidable task of disarming Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militia that has historically dominated southern Lebanon.

Mohanad Hage Ali, a fellow at the Carnegie Middle East Center, referred to the disarmament of Palestinian factions as a "test" that may precede further actions against Hezbollah if executed effectively. Despite the Lebanese government's nominal authority, it has often found its military roles superseded by various armed groups, with Hezbollah notably possessing military capabilities that significantly overshadow those of the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Palestinian factions have maintained a strong presence in Lebanon's refugee camps, which are impoverished and overcrowded, further complicating the government's authority, as the Lebanese army is typically restricted from entering these areas. However, following recent military engagements with Israel that have effectively weakened Iranian-backed groups across the Middle East, Lebanon’s new government is responding by actively working to diminish Hezbollah's dominance and reclaim its state authority.