Palestinian Factions Hand Over Weapons in Lebanon's Disarmament Effort

On September 13, 2025, Palestinian factions in Lebanon began handing over weapons to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) as part of a broader government initiative to disarm non-state groups. This operation involved the transfer of five truckloads of weapons from the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp, Lebanon's largest, located near Sidon, and three truckloads from the Beddawi camp near Tripoli. The weapons included various types of arms, shells, and ammunition, as confirmed by both the LAF and Palestinian officials.

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The disarmament initiative follows a series of agreements between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, aimed at restoring state control over arms within Palestinian refugee camps. The process began in August 2025, with earlier transfers from camps in Beirut and southern Lebanon. The Lebanese government is under significant pressure, particularly from the United States, to disarm all non-state armed groups, including Hezbollah, which has resisted these efforts.

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Abdel Hadi al-Asadi, a spokesperson for the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), has been instrumental in the arms transfer process. He stated that the operation reflects a commitment to security and stability between Palestinian and Lebanese communities. The Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee, affiliated with the Lebanese prime minister’s office, is overseeing the disarmament discussions, which also include ongoing negotiations with factions like Hamas and Islamic Jihad, who have yet to announce plans for disarmament.

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Despite the progress made, the disarmament initiative has faced skepticism. Critics argue that the Lebanese army traditionally avoids involvement in Palestinian camps, leaving security in the hands of the factions. Furthermore, Hezbollah has rejected calls for its disarmament, raising concerns about the potential for increased tensions and violence in the region.

Times of Israel

The Lebanese army confirmed the receipt of weapons and emphasized the importance of the disarmament process. The Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee reiterated its commitment to extending state sovereignty over all territories. Al-Asadi remarked, “This step reflects the deep Palestinian-Lebanese partnership and demonstrates our shared commitment to security, stability, and maintaining fraternal ties between our peoples.”

Times of Israel

The disarmament process is expected to continue, with further negotiations planned with other Palestinian factions. Observers are particularly focused on whether Hezbollah will comply with the government's directives, as this decision could significantly impact Lebanon's security landscape and its relations with Israel.

Times of Israel

While the disarmament process has seen the PLO factions comply, Hamas and Islamic Jihad have not committed to disarming, leaving a gap in the overall effectiveness of the initiative. Additionally, the Lebanese government's strategy to disarm Hezbollah remains contentious and unclear, with no definitive timeline established for compliance.

Times of Israel

• “The delivery included various types of weapons, shells, and ammunition,” — Lebanese Army Statement

Times of Israel

• “This step reflects the deep Palestinian-Lebanese partnership and demonstrates our shared commitment to security, stability, and maintaining fraternal ties between our peoples,” — Abdel Hadi al-Asadi, PLO Spokesperson

Lebanese Armed Forces receive new batch of weapons from Palestinian camps

• “The disarmament process is serious and ongoing, and negotiations are underway with other Palestinian factions to hand over their weapons as well.” — Ramez Damashkieh, Head of the Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee

Lebanese Armed Forces receive new batch of weapons from Palestinian camps