Lebanon's government was struggling to contain a wave of unrest, despite a worsening outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, as allegations of corruption, incompetence and foreign interference commingled in the public's utter lack of faith in their leaders. In their desperation, the country's leaders turned to China for financial support as the state teetered on the edge of bankruptcy.

Now, apparently, Prime Minister Hassan Diab, who rode into power as a "reformer" back in December, 2 months after an uprising brought down the previous government, has had enough: He's stepping down with the rest of his cabinet (three ministers have already resigned). His government will soon accept "caretaker" status and saddle the Lebanese people with the responsibility of electing their third government in less than a year.

Lebanon's government is expected to step down on Monday, two government sources told CNN, less than a week after a massive explosion in Beirut killed more than 160 people and sparked days of violent protests.

A senior ministerial source told CNN he believed the government would be reduced to caretaker status by Monday night. Three cabinet ministers have already quit, along with seven members of parliament.