Kataeb Party lawmaker Elie Marouni revealed Friday that he received threats over the arrest of Alexi Nicolas Jeha, calling on security forces to assume their responsibilities and unveil the truth.

“I received on Thursday a text message threatening me,” Marouni said in comments to Voice of Lebanon radio (100.5).

Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil stressed Friday that the official Lebanese stance is only expressed by the cabinet, urging Arab states not to allow the Iranian expansion in the region by taking the initiative.

The minister hailed Saudi Arabia for overcoming the stances expressed by some Lebanese officials, in hints to Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, considering that it “indicates the kingdom's affection towards Lebanon.”

The Army Command is studying cabinet decision to take all necessary measures to deploy inside the northeastern border town of Arsal to fend off any assault by militants who are entrenched on the mountainous area along the Lebanese-Syrian border.

“The army is proceeding with its deployment in Arsal, Ras Baalbek and the areas of engagement,” a high-ranking military source said in comments published in al-Joumhouria newspaper.

Prime Minister Tammam Salam telephoned Speaker Nabih Berri on Thursday night to discuss the latest developments after the government entered a stage of paralysis.

Local dailies said Friday that Berri was asked if the cabinet would remain paralyzed over a dispute on the appointment of security and military officials.

Interior Minister Nouhad Mashnouq postponed on Thursday the retirement of Internal Security Forces chief Ibrahim Basbous, effectively extending his term in office, an issue that has been stirring debate at cabinet for months.

Mashnouq signed a decree that would keep the ISF chief in his post for two more years.

Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah is scheduled to make a speech on Friday to tackle the latest local and regional developments.

The speech will be held during a ceremony for al-Mahdi Scouts.

The government tasked the Lebanese army on Thursday with taking necessary measures to deploy inside the northeastern border town of Arsal to protect it against militant attacks, Information Minister Ramzi Jreij said.

“After long discussions on the catastrophic situation in Arsal and the presence of militants on its outskirts, the cabinet expressed full confidence in the army,” Jreij said in his briefing to reporters following a government session that was chaired by Prime Minister Tammam Salam at the Grand Serail.

Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat denied Thursday that he is seeking to conduct an initiative to resolve the lingering political crisis despite a meeting between his aide Health Minister Wael Abou Faour and Speaker Nabih Berri.

“In the capital Beirut I announce that I will not carry out any initiative,” Jumblat said on his Twitter account.

The Director of the Department of the Middle East and North Africa at the French Foreign Ministry, Jean-François Girault, began Thursday touring senior Lebanese officials to tackle the latest developments, in particularly the presidential vacuum.

Girault discussed with Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil at the Bustros Palace the general situation in the region and Lebanon.

The Lebanese army arrested on Thursday a Syrian woman on suspicion of belonging to an armed group, reported the National News Agency.

An army intelligence patrol arrested Hind J. in the al-Rahmeh Syrian refugee encampment on the outskirts of Bebnine in the northern region of Akkar.