France's foreign minister travelled to Israel on Friday, in an unscheduled visit, after visiting Beirut on Thursday as ‌part of efforts to reduce tensions in the region ⁠and secure a ceasefire in Lebanon. Jean-Noel Barrot met with Lebanon’s president and prime minister while in Beirut, where he expressed his support for the Lebanese army, who he said were trying to protect the country’s sovereignty, reports France 24's Claire Paccalin.