Hamas under scrutiny in Lebanon — will the state take control?
Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian
The decision has been made: illegal weapons will no longer be tolerated on Lebanese soil.
With these words, informed sources summed up the focus of the Higher Defense Council's meeting, which devoted a significant portion to discussing Hamas' security activity in Lebanon following recent rocket launches from the south toward Israeli territory.
For the first time, the Defense Council has issued such a clear and direct decision. Why was this decision made now?
Available information indicates that President Joseph Aoun had been awaiting the completion of investigations and confirmation of the individuals responsible for launching the rockets.
Once the picture became clear, the meeting was convened—coinciding with security preparations for municipal elections and developments in Syria and their impact on Lebanon.
LBCI has learned that four individuals have been detained by army intelligence in connection with the rocket fire—Palestinian and Lebanese nationals. The military prosecutor's office is expected to begin legal proceedings against them early next week.
The detainees admitted ties to Hamas, though the rocket launches were not directed by the group's central leadership.
At the same time, efforts are underway to apprehend four Palestinian fugitives. Army intelligence had previously requested that Hamas hand them over.
In the presence of security chiefs, relevant ministers, and senior judicial officials—including the government commissioner to the military court and the public prosecutor—President Aoun warned against allowing Lebanon to become a platform for destabilization.
The prime minister also stressed the need to surrender illegal weapons in accordance with the National Accord document and the ministerial statement.
While Lebanon remains committed to the Palestinian cause, it now enters a new phase—one in which no group will be allowed to use Lebanese territory as a base for operations, either in execution or financing.
The Defense Council's decision comes as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to arrive in Beirut on May 21 to discuss the future of weapons in the camps.
Despite the complexity of the Palestinian arms issue—given the number of factions and leadership structures—political sources say any statement from Abbas would strengthen efforts to assert state authority and place pressure on those who oppose this path.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Manar
an hour ago
- Al Manar
Iran FM Holds Key Meetings on Sidelines of OIC Conference in Istanbul
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Saturday with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul. Erdogan urged countries with influence over Israel not to listen to its 'poison' and to seek a solution to the fighting via dialogue without allowing a wider conflict. Erdogan also affirmed readiness to mediate talks aimed at resolving the nuclear dispute. The Iranian minister also met with the Qatari prime minister, who renewed the Israeli aggression on Iran, highlighting the diplomatic means to reach de-escalation. Earlier, Araghchi met with his Iraqi and Egyptian counterpart on the sidelines an OIC meeting in Istanbul. The Arab League's foreign ministers convened in Istanbul to discuss developments related to conflicts in the Middle East, especially Israel's attacks on Iran that began June 13. The ministers are in the Turkish metropolis for the 51st session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers, scheduled for June 21 – 22.
Cedar News
4 hours ago
- Cedar News
Hezbollah Deputy Defies Khamenei's Order to Join Israel Conflict — Report
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has instructed Hezbollah's deputy chief, Naim Qassem, to join the fighting against Israel, according to Western sources cited by Israel's Channel 12, Faytuks Network reported Saturday. The report states that Qassem declined the directive, citing concerns that full-scale involvement could result in the destruction of Hezbollah by the Israeli military.
Cedar News
6 hours ago
- Cedar News
Iranian state media reported that a coordinated drone and missile assault on Israel has started
Iranian state media reported that a coordinated drone and missile assault on Israel has started, with drones spotted over Syria. Missiles are expected to follow as the drones approach Israeli airspace, if the report is accurate.
