Kataeb Slams 'Impotence' on Electoral Law, Warns of Possible Ain el-Hilweh Spillover

The Kataeb Party on Monday lashed out at the ruling political class over its “impotence” regarding the approval of a new electoral law, as it warned of a possible spillover of the ongoing clashes at the Ain el-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp.

“The Kataeb Party warns of the growing threats that are facing the country as the ruling class maintains its procrastination, impotence and conflicts while seeking to strike deals at the expense of the country and its citizens,” Kataeb's political bureau said in a statement issued after its weekly meeting.

The ruling class “is focusing its efforts on tailoring an electoral law that fits its interests, or else it would push for an illegitimate extension (of parliament's term) or a lethal vacuum,” it added.

“In both cases, the Lebanese will not remain silent over the disregard for their right to decide their future,” the party warned, calling for “a fair law tailored to fit the interest of the entire country while ensuring correct and fair representation.”

Turning to the deadly clashes that have been raging for four days now in Ain el-Hilweh, Kataeb warned of a possible spread of the fighting to “the city of Sidon and the neighboring villages.”

“Why did the situation blow up now? What has this ruling class done to prevent it? Why is it excluded or excluding itself from everything that is happening in this camp? Hasn't the time come for working on removing the camps' unrestrained weapons? And who is obstructing this step as long as the Palestinian leadership has expressed its consent to the removal of the arms?” Kataeb asked.

At least eight people have been killed and dozens others have been wounded in four days of clashes between the Joint Palestinian Security Force and a group of Islamist militants led by Bilal Badr.