Monday's first meeting will launch a process. But few think a new cabinet likely until compromise is found in the dispute over the possible indictment of Hezbollah figures by a UN tribunal probing the 2005 assassination of Hariri's father.

Deep divisions among Lebanese parties and their powerful regional backers reflect violent religious, ethnic and political rivalries running through the Middle East and beyond, giving leaders from Washington to Tehran a role in Beirut's crisis.

Shi'ite group Hezbollah, which is supported by Iran and Syria, expects the tribunal to accuse its members over the assassination of Rafik al-Hariri. It has denied involvement and called for Lebanon to withdraw all support for the tribunal.

Saudi-backed Saad al-Hariri has rejected those demands, and US officials have said the tribunal's work must continue.