Lebanon’s Palestinian Arms Dilemma: A Crisis Delayed, Not Solved

A clear deadline was needed despite the complexities

By Carole Salloum (originally in Arabic) | English version prepared by Akhbar al-Yawm

Despite heightened regional tensions resulting from the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, Lebanon’s internal efforts to address the sensitive issue of arms outside state control, particularly within Palestinian camps, remain active and under close political supervision.

Contrary to speculation that the issue has been indefinitely postponed, well-informed sources confirm, via the "Akhbar al-Yawm" agency, that the arms control file is still being prioritized.

President Joseph Aoun has conveyed a firm position to relevant parties: discussions on arms regulation will resume in earnest once the broader regional situation stabilizes.

While no definitive timeline has been set, sources emphasize that communications related to the file have not ceased. The issue remains under ongoing review, although immediate enforcement or implementation steps are not expected in the short term.

The sources note that arms proliferation within refugee camps poses unique legal, humanitarian, and security challenges. A designated committee has already begun engaging camp leadership and stakeholders in preliminary discussions. According to the sources, there are early signs of cooperation, but progress will be gradual and requires sustained political and logistical coordination.

On the legislative front, some opposition MPs have voiced concerns about the absence of a fixed deadline to resolve the arms file. They argue that prolonged regional instability, particularly if the Iran-Israel conflict is protracted, could create political cover for indefinite delays. These MPs advocate for setting a clear and enforceable timeframe to prevent the issue from being buried.

Nevertheless, confidence in President Aoun’s handling of the matter remains high across the political spectrum. Many see his cautious and pragmatic approach as a guarantee that the issue will not be neglected.

While the arms file may not currently dominate the national agenda, its eventual resolution is widely viewed as essential to Lebanon’s sovereignty and internal stability.