France’s president began a visit to Lebanon Friday, where he will meet the crisis-hit country’s newly elected leaders, as the nation attempts to recover from the 14-month Israel-Hezbollah war

The French president made the announcement as he visited Beirut in a show of support for Lebanon's new leaders.

Lebanon has just elected a president and appointed a prime minister, after months of deadlock. The French president didn't hesitate to visit, sensing an opportunity to take stock of the ceasefire signed at the end of November between Israel and Hezbollah.

Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have given "their full support" to the formation of a "strong government" in Lebanon, the French presidency said on Thursday after a call between the two leaders.

France President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Lebanon on Friday for the first time since 2020 to help speed up the formation of a government that can quickly implement reforms and open the door to reconstruction.

Visiting Macron said Israeli violations are being closely monitored, says Premier Najib Mikati - Anadolu Ajansı

Israel’s security cabinet has now approved the ceasefire deal with Hamas which will be brought to a vote in the government. The full 33-member cabinet is widely expected to give its approval which means the ceasefire can go into effect on Sunday as planned.

Lebanon's new president said on Saturday that Israel must withdraw from his country's south by the January 26 deadline set to fully implement an Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire agreed last year. French President Emmanuel Macron was also in Lebanon on Friday and said there must be "accelerated" implementation of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire.

French President Emmanuel Macron met Friday with Lebanon’s new leadership and vowed to support the small nation as it tries to recover from a historic economic crisis and the 14-month Israel-Hezbollah war.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Beirut on Friday for a visit that will see him meet his counterpart and offer support as Lebanon’s leaders

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday said that French-Israeli citizens Ofer Kalderon and Ohad Yahalomi are in the first group of hostages due to be freed by Hamas following a ceasefire with Israel.