Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is scheduled to visit Lebanon on May 19, where he is expected to formally declare the disarmament of Palestinian factions operating in the country’s refugee camps, including by force if necessar, sources familiar with the matter told Middle East Eye.

Multiple Palestinian and Lebanese officials confirmed that Abbas will make the trip to Beirut on an official visit, during which he will meet with Lebanese President and other senior officials. The centerpiece of his visit will be the announcement of a sweeping demilitarization initiative targeting both his own Fatah movement and other Palestinian groups based in refugee camps throughout Lebanon.

The decision marks a significant shift in policy for Abbas, who has reportedly agreed to remove Fatah’s weapons from camps in Beirut and across the country. He is also expected to urge other Palestinian factions to lay down their arms.

According to a senior Palestinian source, Abbas plans to establish a special security committee that will oversee the disarmament effort. This body will be tasked with creating a clear timetable for the collection and surrender of weapons.

Should the factions refuse to comply with the Lebanese government’s directives and Abbas’ orders, they will face severe consequences, including the withdrawal of political and organizational support. This could open the door for Lebanese security forces to take military action against armed groups entrenched in the camps.

The sources also indicated that the decision to push ahead with the disarmament plan came in response to a request from Saudi Arabia, conveyed to Abbas by Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.