Saad Hariri

"Where is Lebanon's interest? Where is the security of the Lebanese people? Where is Lebanon's protection? Where is the Lebanese opinion?"

An explosion 11 days ago took place near the convoy of former Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri, Hariri's office said on Sunday.

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 Lebanese Red Cross said it had treated 220 people who were wounded on both sides on Saturday night, taking 80 of them to hospital.

On Tuesday night, riots broke out in Beirut's Hamra area, with bank facades smashed and stones pelted at security forces who fired back with tear gas.

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.

On Monday protesters blocked roads in Beirut and throughout Lebanon, and schools were canceled for the third straight week.

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

Lebanon’s political malaise is further exacerbated by its unique system of hereditary office.