The country that pressured Palestinian Authority President Abbas to announce weapons transfer to Lebanese government

In recent days, Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas made a rare visit to Lebanon, during which he declared the need for Palestinian weapons – specifically those held in refugee camps and by Palestinian factions in the Land of the Cedars – to be handed over to the state. According to a report that aired on Kan Reshet Bet on Monday morning, the driving force behind this move is Saudi Arabia.

During his visit, Abbas announced the beginning of the process within a joint committee with the Lebanese government, which began work last Friday. According to the Lebanese government, the disarmament of the Palestinian refugee camps is expected to begin in June.

Saudi Arabia reportedly requested that Abbas implement this initiative to strengthen Lebanon’s new leadership. This move reflects a convergence of interests between Saudi Arabia and the PA, as Abbas himself also seeks to weaken Hamas’ position in Lebanon. Nevertheless, Saudi influence in this event is said to be highly significant.

An Arab diplomat from one of the regional countries told Kan News that Saudi Arabia has a key objective - disarming Hezbollah to weaken Iranian involvement in Lebanon.

According to the Arab diplomat, from Riyadh’s perspective disarming the Sunni Palestinian factions in Lebanon will strengthen the Lebanese state, and will also facilitate the larger goal of dismantling Hezbollah’s military capabilities.

Regarding Abbas’ relationship with Saudi Arabia, it is worth noting that he recently appointed a deputy for the first time – Hussein al-Sheikh, as secretary-general of the PLO Executive Committee.

Saudi Arabia also played a significant behind-the-scenes role in that move, as part of efforts to make the PA more acceptable to the U.S. administration. It appears these days that Riyadh has a hand in nearly every development taking place in the Middle East.