The Lebanese army fired tear gas on Saturday at Hezbollah supporters protesting around Beirut airport against Lebanon blocking an Iranian flight to Beirut this week after the Israeli military accused Tehran of using civilian aircraft to smuggle cash to Beirut to arm the Lebanese group.

The United States has reportedly told Lebanese officials that Israel’s military intends to remain in five strategic points inside Lebanon, but will withdraw from towns it still occupies.

France has put together a proposal for United Nations peacekeepers, including French troops, replace Israeli forces at key points to ensure those forces leave Lebanon by a February 18 deadline, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Thursday.

The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon has demanded an "immediate" investigation after one of the vehicles was set on fire.

The outgoing deputy commander of the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon was injured Friday after protesters attacked a convoy taking peacekeepers to the Beirut airport, UNIFIL said in a statement.

Thousands of supporters have gathered in downtown Beirut to mark the 20th anniversary of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri’s assassination

Thousands gathered in Beirut Friday to mark 20 years since the assassination of ex-premier Rafic Hariri, and to call for the return of his son Saad to political life. On Friday, thousands of flag-waving Hariri supporters began gathering at his father's burial site in Beirut.

Lebanon on Friday marks 20 years since former prime minister Rafiq Hariri's assassination amid seismic political changes that have weakened Hezbollah and its backers and could herald a comeback for Hariri's son Saad.