Michel Aoun

Approximately 57% of the poll respondents did not demonstrate their enthusiasm regarding the idea of having Lebanon signing a peace deal with its Jewish neighbor.

In theory, Lebanon should be a template for a future peaceful Middle East. Theory, however, has had to bow to practical reality.

Concerning whether Lebanon would consider making peace with Israel, Aoun stated "That depends. We have problems with Israel and we have to resolve them first."

Nadim Koteich lamented the situation in Lebanon, comparing each citizen's portion of the GDP ($360)to Israel's, which he says is $3,600 for each citizen.

Hariri said the "continuation of the caretaker government is not the solution so let's stop wasting time and have the government bear the responsibility."

The protesters demand that the new government be composed of technocrats rather than politicians representing the country’s many ethnic and religious groups.

President Michel Aoun responded by postponing until Dec. 16 consultations with lawmakers that had been expected to result in Khatib being named prime minister on Monday.

Lebanon's president Michel Aoun will hold binding consultations with members of parliament on Thursday to designate the country's next prime minister.

After provocative statements by the president and the killing of a demonstrator by the army, the protest movement is re-energized.

Though no immediate estimate of the rally's size was available, many thousands spread across a roadway leading to the palace.