The Lebanese Forces-led Strong Republic bloc announced Monday that it will not take part in the new government that the PM-designate Najib Mikati intends to form.

Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab said Monday that the new government “can consist of specialists,” but that “they should be named by politicians.”

Free Patriotic Movement chief Jebran Bassil stressed Monday that the forensic audit into the central bank’s accounts “will not die.”

Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati kicked off Monday his non-binding consultations with the parliamentary blocs over the shape of the new government.

Mikati began the two-day consultations by meeting Speaker Nabih Berri in parliament. He later met with Berri's Development and Liberation bloc.

Israel on Sunday approved housing allowances for South Lebanon Army (SLA) veterans residing in Israeli territory, providing so-called "historic justice" to former members of the militia, officials said.

The decision, passed by the government, would see some 400 former SLA fighters who did not hold commanding ranks receiving a one-off grant of 550,000 shekels (around $161,000) towards buying a home over the next four years, the Israeli army said in a statement.

The head of Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc, MP Mohammed Raad, on Sunday called for forming “a government that can be feasibly formed at the moment” to enable the country to confront its multiple challenges.

Israeli firefighters were on Sunday battling to control a huge blaze in the northern city of Haifa after a number of buildings containing hazardous materials caught fire overnight in an industrial and logistics complex, Israeli media reports said.

Explosions were heard, apparently as the flames detonated the contents of the building. Videos posted to social media showed flames engulfing the structures.

Free Patriotic Movement chief Jebran Bassil has called on Israel to "answer" Lebanon regarding its sea border demarcation proposal or risk facing "dangerous escalation."

The International Support Group for Lebanon (ISG) has called on all political actors in Lebanon to "form a government quickly," after Najib Mikati was named PM-designate.

"With the severe economic and social challenges it faces, Lebanon and its citizens cannot afford political deadlocks. The ISG also emphasizes that it is important to adhere to the constitutional calendar in order for the presidential election to take place on time," it said in a statement.

The head of Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc, MP Mohammed Raad, on Friday called for forming a new government that can “serve the priorities” that the country needs, a day after Najib Mikati was designated to form a new cabinet.