US media reports say the president secretly left via a catering truck to avoid a threat to his life from Iran.

The attack was reportedly carried out by Iranian proxy on a small cargo ship, as tensions in region over the US-Iran conflict remain high.

The new law - which next goes to the cabinet for approval - would make Lebanon the first country in the Middle East to end capital punishment.

Authorities promise tough new laws in the country, which has high levels of firearms ownership.