Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi on Sunday wondered if the ongoing delay in the cabinet formation process is “part of a plot to topple the State of Greater Lebanon” in order to “seize control of what remains.”

“We cannot see another objective behind this persistent obstruction, which is accompanied by a systematic destruction of the financial and banking capabilities and by impoverishing the people… and forcing their vibrant sectors and educated youths to emigrate,” al-Rahi said in his Sunday Mass sermon.

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea on Sunday acknowledged that only Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri is “trying to improve the nature of the new government.”

An attack at a mosque in the northern town of Jbeil drew nationwide condemnations on Saturday.

A top Lebanese security official said Saturday that after returning from Washington recently he visited Syria for two days where he spoke with officials about American journalist Austin Tice who has been missing in the war-torn country since 2012.

Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim did not give much details in an interview with the local Al-Jadeed television channel. His comments came two weeks after his return from Washington where is believed to have discussed Tice's case with U.S. officials.

Lebanon entered a new two-week lockdown on Saturday after reported infections crossed the 100,000 mark, with hospitals in the crises-wracked country almost at capacity.

General Security chief Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim brushed off concerns on Saturday about his inclusion in a US list of sanctions saying “it is not a concern for me.”

France reportedly believes that the formation of a government in Lebanon is being “deliberately” delayed by “some” Lebanese politicians, believing the final outcome of the U.S. elections would strengthen their political position, al-Joumhouria daily reported on Saturday.

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea on Friday handed French presidential envoy Patrick Durel a letter to French President Emmanuel Macron.

Caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab on Friday urged Lebanese citizens to “prioritize life and health over the economy,” on the eve of a two-week lockdown aimed at curbing a major spike in coronavirus cases.

Lebanese Democratic Party leader MP Talal Arslan held talks Friday with U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea at his residence in Khalde.