President Joseph Aoun said Wednesday that “the first positive sign that should be shown to the world is the formation of a government as soon as possible, instead of obstructing formation over narrow sectarian and political interests.”

The Lebanese Forces accused Wednesday Hezbollah and its allies of delaying the new government's formation through attempting to "impose certain candidates for certain portfolios."

The statement said Hezbollah's obstruction policy will no longer work, adding that their attempts are rejected by all blocs that believe in a future state.

Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam intends to “impose a de facto cabinet line-up” that he sees as appropriate following his consultations with the political forces, sources informed on the negotiations said, in remarks to al-Akhbar newspaper.

Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam has run into “the demands of all political forces” and his problem is not only about reaching an agreement with the Shiite Duo, al-Jadeed TV has reported.

Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam has announced that the government formation process is moving forward with “firm steps” and that he is “tirelessly” working with President Joseph Aoun to form a new cabinet without delay.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister announced plans to visit Lebanon this week, which would mark the first such trip in years amid strained relations between the two countries.

Speaking at the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan hailed Lebanon’s recent political breakthroughs as “extremely positive.”

Hezbollah’s official for the West Bekaa region, Sheikh Mohammad Hamadi, was assassinated Tuesday evening by unknown gunmen, the state-run National News Agency said.

President Joseph Aoun stressed Tuesday that “Lebanon insists on the completion of the Israeli withdrawal from the territory that remains occupied in the south within the deadline specified in the agreement that was reached on November 27.”

Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam has asked the parliamentary blocs to provide him with the CVs of their miniter picks for the new government, media reports said.

The European Union on Tuesday announced a 60 million euro ($62 million) support package for Lebanon's armed forces, as the crisis-hit country seeks to implement a fragile truce between Israel and Hezbollah.