In brief
Lebanon is set to implement a significant plan to disarm Palestinian armed factions in refugee camps this June, marking a crucial step towards centralizing authority over the country's militias. This initiative comes after recent conflicts with Israel that have diminished the strength of Iran-backed militias, including Hezbollah, prompting the Lebanese government to assert greater control over military power.
Lebanon's government confirmed plans on Friday to commence disarming Palestinian factions residing in the country's camps as a foundational step towards its larger objective: regulating all arms within its borders, including those of Hezbollah. "This will be a test run," noted Mohanad Hage Ali, a scholar at the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut. The successful disarmament of Palestinian factions could pave the way for similar actions against the powerful Iran-backed group, Hezbollah.For years, the Lebanese Armed Forces and the state have struggled to maintain control amid a multitude of armed groups. Hezbollah, in particular, has maintained significant military capabilities that overshadow those of the official military. Palestinian factions operate primarily within impoverished refugee camps, where the Lebanese army’s presence is minimal.The Lebanese government's thrust to dismantle the control of Hezbollah and reclaim state authority aligns with regional shifts, as conflicts have incapacitated various Iran-aligned militias. The outcome of disarming Palestinian groups may influence future efforts to curtail Hezbollah's longstanding dominance in Lebanon's socio-political landscape.
