Speaker Nabih Berri reflected some “positivism” regarding a breakthrough in the formation of the government, noting a “serious progress” in discussions likely leading to a final agreement on Sunday, al-Joumhouria daily reported on Saturday.

Concern of the new US sanctions imposed by the US administration on Hizbullah is not limited to the party, but also touches the entire Lebanese state for fear of negative repercussions on the country’s banks and economy, the Saudi Ashraq al-Awsat daily reported on Saturday.

Clashes renewed Friday afternoon at the Miyeh Miyeh Palestinian refugee camp after a brief ceasefire.

"The sounds of gunshots and rocket-propelled grenades are being heard after the renewal of clashes," the National News Agency said.

Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri is reportedly expected to submit a new government format to President Michel Aoun in the “next 24 hours,” after previous formats failed to meet the President’s approval, al-Joumhouria daily reported on Friday.

Quoting Baabda sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the daily said the atmospheres regarding efforts to complete lining up the government are “positive”.

First Military Investigative Judge Riad Abu Ghaida has announced his resignation from the judiciary to run for the membership of the Constitutional Council, the National News Agency reported.

Discussions about the “situation” in Lebanon will reportedly be held in Saudi Arabia in the “next hours” in parallel with Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri’s presence in the Kingdom, al-Joumhouria daily said on Thursday.

A grouping of independent Sunni MPs stressed Wednesday that they will no longer accept that Sunni representation in the government be confined to Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri's al-Mustaqbal Movement.

“Our representation in the government is not a favor from anyone and we condemn Hariri's fierce defense of the Sunni unilateralism represented in his Movement,” MP Faisal Karami said, on behalf of the lawmakers.

Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat on Wednesday warned of the consequences shall the Lebanese government fails to take “austerity measures” to shrink the country’s growing public debt.

In remarks he made in a tweet, Jumblat said: “The public debt is increasing each moment and the remedy is to take serious State austerity measures at various levels. Otherwise, the CEDRE conference will be of no use.”

Lebanese officials seem unaware of the crisis gripping the country as they continue to wrangle over ministerial portfolios, prolonging the delay in the government formation which touches six months on Wednesday.

President Michel Aoun on Tuesday nullified Israeli allegations that weapons are present near Beirut airport, telling visiting UNIFIL commander they only aim at keeping tension in South Lebanon.