The International Support Group of Lebanon on Wednesday called on the Lebanese government to “engage all relevant stakeholders, most importantly the Lebanese people, in consultations” on its financial rescue plan.

The Lebanese Order of Physicians and the deans of medical faculties on Wednesday called for stricter measures in the face of a new spike in the country's coronavirus cases.

Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Wednesday said the Lebanese government must cooperate with its Syrian counterpart if it wants to put an end to cross-border smuggling.

President Michel Aoun held talks Wednesday afternoon with Prime Minister Hassan Diab ahead of a Higher Defense Council meeting.

The Ministry of Tourism on Wednesday announced the closure of all tourism institutions and restaurants across Lebanon during the four-day shutdown over coronavirus, the National News Agency reported.

The Ministry later announced that it was reversing a decision on suspending restaurant delivery services. It confirmed that they will be allowed to operate between 5:00 am and 6:00 pm.

The number of coronavirus cases in Lebanon rose to 878 on Wednesday, as the country eyes a four-day shutdown to stem the spread of the virus recording new highs in the past few days.

Israeli warplanes were seen flying at a low altitude over several towns in south Lebanon, the state-run National News Agency reported on Wednesday.

Strong Republic MP Ziad Hawat sounded the alarm on Wednesday saying that smuggling through illegal crossings into Syria are draining the state’s resources and finances, noting that many crossings in Eastern Lebanon are under Hizbullah’s control.

Lebanon begins negotiations on Wednesday with the International Monetary Fund to reach an agreement on funding the government’s economic rescue plan, amid indicators the negotiations are going to be “long and arduous,” al-Joumhouia daily reported on Wednesday.

The Free Patriotic Movement-led Strong Lebanon bloc on Tuesday hit back at Marada Movement chief Suleiman Franjieh without naming him.