Lebanon angered by Trump's UN comments on resettling refugees

US President Donald Trump's suggestion that refugees should be resettled closer to home instead of being brought to the United States has angered many in Lebanon, a country hosting more than 1.5 million refugees.

Trump told the UN on Tuesday that for the cost of resettling one refugee in the US, Washington could assist 10 in their "home region".

Lebanese lawmakers on Wednesday demanded a formal response to Trump's comments, with speaker Nabih Berri saying it was no "joking matter," invoking Lebanon's constitution which he said rejects resettlement.

"Everyone knows Lebanon rejects resettling Palestinians or any other nationalities," Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri said.

Lebanon, a country of just four million, is officially hosting more than one million Syrian refugees and some 500,000 Palestinians.

The real numbers are likely higher as many don't register with the UN.

Since the start of his presidency, Trump has been battling with US courts to implement the so-called "Muslim ban".

The immigration restrictions would bar entry to some of the world's most vulnerable people, including citizens from Syria, Libya, Somalia and Yemen escaping war and oppression