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The departure of Hariri, who has been traditionally backed by the West and Sunni Gulf Arab allies, raises the stakes and pushes Lebanon into an unpredictable cycle. Lebanon could end up further under the sway of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, making it even harder to attract badly-needed foreign investment.
Anti-government protesters wave Lebanese flags in Martyrs' Square on October 29.Credit:Getty Images
It also defies Hezbollah, which was part of his coalition and wanted him and the government to stay on. Hariri is seen as the focal point for Western and Gulf Arab aid to Lebanon, which is in dire need of financial support promised by these allies.
Lebanon has been paralysed by the unprecedented wave of protests against the rampant corruption of the political class.
"For 13 days the Lebanese people have waited for a decision for a political solution that stops the deterioration [of the economy]. And I have tried, during this period, to find a way out, through which to listen to the voice of the people," Hariri said.
"It is time for us to have a big shock to face the crisis," he said. "To all partners in political life, our responsibility today is how we protect Lebanon and revive its economy."
An anti-government protester waves a Lebanese flag as he stands on top of a pile of broken tents in Martyrs' Square, Beirut, on October 29.Credit:Getty Images
Under Lebanon's constitution, the government will stay on in a caretaker capacity as talks begin on forming a new one. It took nine months to form the Hariri coalition cabinet that took office in January.
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As night fell, protesters returned to central Beirut waving Lebanese flags, seemingly unfazed by the violence.
Some described Hariri's resignation as a victory for the "October 17 uprising" and said the attack on the protest camp had redoubled their determination.
"What happened is a point of strength for us ... If the thugs come in bigger numbers, so will we," said Kamal Rida, a protester in central Beirut. "The tents that are broken can be rebuilt, easy."
Lebanon's allies last year pledged $US11 billion ($16 billion) in financing to help it revive its economy, conditional on reforms that Hariri's coalition government has largely failed to implement".
France, which has supported Hariri, called on all Lebanese to help guarantee national unity.
The US urged the formation of a new government responsive to the needs of the people.
"The Lebanese people want an efficient and effective government, economic reform, and an end to endemic corruption," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement.
And Iran expressed hopes that all parties would unite to maintain security and stability in the country and meet the legitimate demands of the Lebanese people.
Reuters