Security and sectarian concerns are fueling opposition in Lebanon to plans for a displacement center in central Beirut, as ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah drives new waves of displaced people.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has called for tighter security measures, amid growing political and public debate over establishing shelters for those displaced, most recently in the Karantina area near Beirut port.
At a security meeting at the Grand Serail, Salam stressed “the need to intensify security measures across Lebanon, particularly in Beirut, to safeguard citizens and their property,” citing developments in the south and the resulting displacement and security challenges.
A government decision to set up the displacement center in Karantina has triggered controversy, with several lawmakers urging it be scrapped on security and political grounds.
Although about 70 percent of the facility had been completed shortly after work began, informed sources said construction has been temporarily halted pending further review, without ruling out cancelling the project altogether. Funding is provided by international organizations and civil society groups.
Sources said the dispute reflects both political and sectarian sensitivities, while acknowledging that some concerns are legitimate. They added that security forces and the Lebanese Red Cross would oversee the center, with detailed registries of residents to ensure control.
The facility is intended to house around 800 people, particularly families unwilling to relocate to northern Lebanon or Mount Lebanon, preferring to remain in Beirut near their homes.
The suspension followed criticism from several political figures. MP Nicolas Sehnaoui of the Free Patriotic Movement described the project as “wrong in every sense,” calling for alternative solutions.
Lebanese Forces MP Razi Hage warned against turning the Karantina-port area into “a security and social hotspot under the pretext of a displacement center,” adding that temporary measures often become permanent.
For his part, Independent MP Waddah Sadek warned Beirut risked fragmenting into “security zones” and areas lacking oversight, while MP Fouad Makhzoumi urged the government to reconsider plans for large shelters in Karantina and Martyrs’ Square.
“While we fully recognize the humanitarian dimension, we respectfully urge reconsideration,” he said, warning of security and organizational repercussions.
The debate comes after Israeli strikes targeted areas previously considered relatively safe. Israel said it had targeted members of Hezbollah and Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in Aramoun in Mount Lebanon and areas near central Beirut.
The strikes have heightened concerns among residents in host communities, complicating efforts to respond to the growing displacement crisis.
