Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam on Saturday unveiled a compromise government, capping 10 months of political wrangling during which the war in neighboring Syria exacerbated sectarian tensions.

The 24-member government, including only one woman, brings together the powerful Shiite movement Hezbollah and its allies with the Sunni-led bloc of former prime minister Saad Hariri, who back opposing sides in the Syria war.

"After 10 months of efforts, of patience, a government protecting the national interest is born," said Salam, who had been tasked with forming the cabinet in April.

"It is a unifying government and the best formula to allow Lebanon to confront challenges," he said, announcing the line-up to replace that of his predecessor Najib Mikati.

Syria's nearly three-year war has deeply divided Lebanon, and the violence has spilled across the border into the tiny Mediterranean country, which has been hit by car and suicide bomb attacks.

Lebanon is also struggling under the weight of nearly one million Syrian refugees, who are testing its already limited resources.

Salam pledged to "bolster security ... confront all types of terrorism" and tackle "the burden" faced by Lebanon as more refugees pour in from Syria.

AFP