Lebanese authorities have rolled out an unprecedented security plan across Beirut, deploying additional army and Internal Security Forces units, along with expanded patrols and undercover intelligence operatives, in an effort to maintain stability and prevent unrest as waves of displaced people continue to arrive.

According to Asharq Al-Awsat, the measures aim to assert control over the security situation, deter potential disruptions, and preserve civil peace, while ensuring that Beirut residents can continue to accommodate displaced communities without tensions escalating. Similar steps are expected to be implemented in other areas hosting displaced populations, as officials seek to preempt what they describe as Israeli attempts to exploit the crisis to incite sectarian strife.

A senior ministerial source told Asharq Al-Awsat that the security plan was prepared in stages, beginning with an extraordinary session of the Higher Defense Council chaired by President Joseph Aoun, followed by meetings with military and security chiefs. The plan was finalized with a set timeline for execution and initially focuses on Beirut, which hosts the largest share of displaced residents.

The army has since moved to support security agencies in implementing the comprehensive plan, with authorities emphasizing the need to reassure both displaced populations and host communities. Particular concern has centered on reported violations, including individuals carrying weapons while moving between shelters.

The source said a series of meetings between Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Army Commander Rodolf Haykal helped create the political conditions needed to move forward with the plan.

Berri has thrown his support behind the measures, the source said, stressing that security is a “red line” and warning against any actions that could threaten stability. He has called for strict enforcement to prevent tensions between displaced people and host communities, while also praising the solidarity shown by Beirut residents and political groups working to provide essential assistance.

According to the source, Berri urged immediate intervention to contain incidents and hold violators accountable, warning that any security lapse could risk plunging the capital into sectarian unrest. Officials fear that continued displacement into Beirut could turn into “ticking time bombs” if not properly managed, a scenario they believe Israel is seeking to exploit.

Daily reports submitted to the presidency indicate that roughly 80 percent of security incidents involve disputes among displaced people themselves, while the remaining 20 percent stem from individual clashes between displaced residents and their hosts. Authorities say these incidents require rapid response to prevent escalation.

Coordination is ongoing between Lebanese security agencies and officials handling displacement issues within Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, aimed at curbing violations. Among the concerns cited are party-affiliated vehicles circulating through Beirut streets broadcasting political songs and speeches, many linked to former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed by Israel. Officials say such actions risk undermining solidarity with displaced communities.

Hezbollah officials, for their part, have raised concerns with security authorities over what they describe as incitement campaigns targeting displaced people, particularly those affiliated with the group. They have also accused a political party—widely understood to be the Lebanese Forces—of restricting their presence in areas under its control, further fueling tensions.

Officials responded that these concerns could be addressed provided Hezbollah cooperates in preventing armed movement by some individuals, even if limited in number, noting that such behavior has become a widespread source of anxiety among Beirut residents.

They also called on the group to restrain inflammatory rhetoric by its officials, warning that such discourse heightens suspicion and recalls the events of May 2008, when Hezbollah fighters took control of Beirut following a government decision under then-Prime Minister Fouad Siniora to dismantle the group’s private telecommunications network.

Lawmakers from multiple parliamentary blocs have also voiced concern over recent statements by Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem, which they interpreted as threats of civil war. Similar rhetoric was echoed by senior figure Mahmoud Qomati, who warned of “cutting off the hand” that targets the group’s weapons, and by Wafiq Safa, who threatened street mobilization if the government does not reverse its decision regarding Hezbollah’s military wing.

According to the source, Berri intervened to prevent supporters from organizing car convoys into Beirut in protest, a move lawmakers welcomed as helping to ease tensions. They also praised his firm response to Safa’s remarks, describing them as unnecessary and urging Hezbollah’s leadership to take responsibility for calming the situation.

Officials say Berri is working to defuse tensions and prevent actions that could inflame divisions, warning that internal discord ultimately serves Israel’s interests by weakening national unity.

The source stressed that maintaining coexistence in Beirut and other areas hosting displaced populations remains critical, calling on all parties to avoid provocative behavior. He added that Hezbollah’s compliance with the new security measures is essential to ensuring stability and providing a safety net for both displaced communities and their hosts.