- 09:30
The Lebanese authorities—through the Higher Defense Council—have initiated a confrontation with the Palestinian movement Hamas, following the latter’s involvement in supporting Gaza from Lebanese territory under the full sponsorship of Hezbollah. While Lebanon has yet to address Hezbollah’s own weapons arsenal, it appears to be using the issue of Palestinian arms to signal to the international community its seriousness about asserting sovereignty, enforcing state authority, and reclaiming control over matters of war and peace. That said, international observers are acutely aware that the real test of Lebanese state authority lies in its ability—or willingness—to deal with Hezbollah’s armaments.
Following a direct warning issued by the Higher Defense Council to Hamas and other factions over recent rocket launches from Lebanese soil, Hamas sources responded by denying the presence of formal military bases in Lebanon. They noted that arms can be easily obtained on the black market by anyone with means, often exceeding what Hamas itself possesses locally. These sources added that restoring relations with Lebanese authorities would require mutual cooperation and understanding, especially given the shifting geopolitical landscape—which, in their view, does not negate Israel’s continued ambitions in the region.
According to security sources, Lebanese authorities have taken a decisive step: Hamas will be formally asked to cease any and all military operations from Lebanese territory, dismantle its armed infrastructure, surrender all weapons in its possession, and hand over suspects allegedly involved in launching rockets from Lebanon toward Israeli settlements. The Higher Defense Council has reportedly granted security agencies full authority to prevent any further rocket fire by any actor and to pursue Hamas’s military wing—the Ezzeddin al-Qassam Brigades. Security forces have been ordered to raid any site outside Palestinian refugee camps where Hamas fighters or military equipment may be located.
The presence of armed Palestinian factions in the camps is expected to be a key topic during the upcoming visit of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to Beirut on May 21.
Palestinian sources say the PA is currently drafting a proposal to address the weapons issue within the camps, which will be finalized next week for discussion with Lebanese officials.
The plan aims to establish a coordination mechanism with Lebanese security forces—particularly the Lebanese Army—to manage all factions operating in the camps. However, implementation could prove difficult: several militant groups inside the camps operate independently of the PA, most notably Hamas and Islamic Jihad, along with more extreme groups such as Jund al-Sham and Asbat al-Ansar, especially in Ain al-Helweh camp. Moreover, there is growing concern that military confrontations may erupt if these factions resist Lebanese state decisions.
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