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Lebanon's Government Moves to Disarm Palestinian Militants Ahead of Hezbollah Challenge

Lebanon plans to initiate a disarmament process for Palestinian factions in refugee camps, targeting Hezbollah next as part of a broader authority assertion.

By Vivian Yee, Dayana Iwaza and Hwaida SaadSource: nytimes.com1 min read
Lebanon's Government Moves to Disarm Palestinian Militants Ahead of Hezbollah Challenge
Image via nytimes.com

In brief

Lebanon's government is set to embark on disarming Palestinian factions within its territory starting June, marking a pivotal move towards consolidating state control over armed groups. This initiative is viewed as a preparatory measure before taking on the formidable Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia that has historically overshadowed the Lebanese state. Experts suggest that the smooth execution of disarmament among Palestinian groups could signal a quicker path to addressing the more significant challenge posed by Hezbollah.

In the Palestinian refugee camps that host over 200,000 refugees, security and governance have largely been managed outside the remit of the Lebanese military, creating a unique challenge for the state. With recent conflicts undermining Iran-backed militias like Hezbollah and Hamas, Lebanon's new government is looking to gain ground and reassert its authority against these influential factions.

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