Lebanon's Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam said on Tuesday his hands were "extended to everyone", in a gesture to the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group that accused opponents of seeking to exclude it by nominating him for the post.

The “Democratic Gathering” parliamentary bloc, led by MP Taymour Jumblatt, described Lebanon’s current juncture as “a historic moment,” emphasizing the importance of seizing the opportunity to rebuild the country.

The head of an American organisation focused on hostage releases said on Monday he believes U.S. journalist Austin Tice was still being held in Syria by people loyal to toppled leader Bashar al-Assad.

Lebanon now has a new government in waiting for the first time in two years after Nawaf Salam was nominated for prime minister.

Lebanon's Prime Minister-desgnate Nawaf Salam began non-binding parliamentary consultations on Wednesday to form his government, in discussions pivotal to the country's path forward. The talks are a preliminary step towards the establishment of an administration capable of addressing the myriad challenges facing Lebanon,

Nawaf Salam, the head of the International Court of Justice, won enough support to become Lebanon's next prime minister after a majority of lawmakers backed him for the post on Monday, a big blow to Hezbollah which accused opponents of working to exclude it.