Free Patriotic Movement chief Jebran Bassil on Tuesday said the FPM supports the Lebanese Forces in the row over regulating Palestinian labor in Lebanon.

“The bloc supports the LF in the issue of enforcing the labor law and we hope they will continue with it,” said Bassil in response to a reporter’s question. He was speaking after the weekly meeting of the Strong Lebanon bloc.

Al-Mustaqbal parliamentary bloc on Tuesday slammed what it called an attempt to take a swipe at Prime Minister Saad Hariri over the ongoing dispute pertaining to the deadly Qabrshmoun incident.

In a statement issued after its weekly meeting, the bloc stressed “the importance of finding judicial exits for the regrettable incident in Qabrshmoun” and called for embracing “the initiatives on which President Michel Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri and PM Saad Hariri have agreed.”

They sparked controversy in Egypt, and were banned from performing in Jordan. Now alternative rock band Mashrou' Leila might have a concert canceled at home in Lebanon over alleged offense to religion.

The Kataeb party criticized the newly endorsed 2019 state budget warning that the country faces the danger of “collapse” if radical reforms were not reinstated.

Industry Minister Wael Abu Faour declared in a press conference on Tuesday that the ministry is going to shut down 14 factories located around the Litani river and basin for failing to comply with the ministry’s environmental instructions.

In light of the suspension of Cabinet meetings, several pressing and important files have accumulated in the register submitted to the Cabinet’s office that require listing on the agenda in order to be addressed, the Saudi Asharq al-Awsat reported on Tuesday.

One of the most important files is the military assistance from foreign countries, and the appointment of first category employees to fill vacant positions. For example, the Head of the Supreme Council of Privatization position has a role in the Steering Committee to decide on the proposed projects according to the CEDRE Conference.

The Progressive Socialist Party said it has “become confident today” that the Qabrshmoun incident is aimed at “undermining” its leader ex-MP Walid Jumblat, al-Joumhhouria daily reported on Tuesday.

State Minister for Refugee Affairs Saleh al-Gharib on Monday met with Prime Minister Saad Hariri at the Grand Serail after which he announced that his party is “open to decent solutions” regarding the crisis sparked by the deadly Qabrshmoun incident.

“We are keen on the country and on activating the work of the Council of Ministers,” Gharib added.

The participation of popular Lebanese rock band Mashrou’ Leila in this year’s edition of the Byblos International Festival has sparked a storm of controversy in the country after the young artists were accused of “insulting Christianity” in their songs.

The band’s supporters and opponents are clashing on social networking websites, amid calls for boycotting and banning the concert. Some users, including Free Patriotic Movement official Naji Hayek, have openly threatened to resort to violence to prevent the gig from taking place.

As part of its efforts to promote attitude change and better governance among the Lebanese political apparatus, the Lebanon Renaissance Foundation has completed the sixth edition of the Youth Leadership Program under its motto ‘Politics is an expression of values, not power’’.