The security forces were holding at least 100 anti-government protesters Thursday, after two nights of demonstrations that turned violent in Beirut.

An unprecedented nationwide movement of protests demanding an end to endemic corruption and the wholesale removal of Lebanon's political elite broke out nearly three months ago.

A day after demonstrations outraged by restrictions on dollar withdrawal turned their anger on banks in the past two days, school students on Thursday protested near state-owned telecoms companies Touch and Alfa as protests against a government deadlock and banks continue to spiral across the country.

Amid reports that the much-delayed formation of Lebanon’s government is “imminent,” a group of students protested inside the offices of Alfa in the Jbeil area locking its doors and preventing access for customers.

The Lebanese army assured on Thursday that it “never relinquished” its national duties to protect civil peace and stability, noting that their assistance was not requested when clashes between demonstrators and security forces erupted in Beirut’s Hamra Street Tuesday night.

Protesters in crisis-hit Lebanon clashed with security forces in Beirut Wednesday night, a day after demonstrators outraged by restrictions on dollar withdrawals attacked bank branches with metal rods, fire extinguishers and rocks.

The Japanese lawyer nicknamed the "Razor" who was spearheading Carlos Ghosn's defence said Thursday he is quitting the case after his client skipped bail and fled Japan for Lebanon.

Clashes erupted Wednesday evening between security forces and protesters demanding the release of dozens of people who were arrested Tuesday during a demo that turned violent in Beirut's Hamra area.

Wednesday evening’s confrontation erupted outside the Helou barracks of the Internal Security Forces in Beirut’s Mar Elias area.

The last obstacle impeding the formation of the new government was resolved Wednesday evening with the agreement of Free Patriotic Movement chief Jebran Bassil to a solution under which Demianos Qattar will be allotted the labor portfolio, LBCI TV said.

“The government is expected to be announced on Friday,” the TV network added.

Caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Wednesday defended Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh following a meeting with him at the Center House.

“The central bank governor has immunity and no one can sack him,” Hariri told reporters after the talks.

Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat on Wednesday condemned the overnight rioting on Beirut’s Hamra Street.

“Hamra Street is the jewel of coexistence, the hub of cultural clubs and launchpad of the national resistance, and Beirut’s main heritage remained there,” Jumblat tweeted.

Anti-government protesters blocked several key highways and roads on Wednesday afternoon, on the second day of what they have dubbed a “week of wrath”.

Groups of school students and a few activists blocked the vital Jounieh highway in both directions before being swiftly confronted by army troops. The soldiers managed to reopen the highway after arrests and scuffles with the demonstrators.