In Brussels, Italy were economical as they beat Belgium 1-0 in Group A2.
The visitors dominated the early stages and scored after 11 minutes. Slick play by fullback Giovanni Di Lorenzo set up Sandro Tonali for a tap in.
At the Stade de France, tentative France struggled to create and take chances as they drew 0-0 with Israel before a sparse and grumbling crowd at the Stade de France.
The game took place under heavy security after fans from the Maccabi Tel Aviv club were attacked in Amsterdam last week following a Europa League match against Ajax.
On Thursday, it took until the 20th minute for captain N’Golo Kante, jinking into the six-yard box to force a first save from goalkeeper Daniel Peretz.
Israel almost pounced after 35 minutes when centre back Raz Shlomo stole in unmarked at the far post, but missed the ball completely as he tried to side-foot home.
France managed 25 attempts on goal but Peretz had to make only two diving saves in the second half, first from Warren Zaire-Emery and then in added time from Christopher Nkunku.
Israeli hung on for their first point in the Nations League top tier.
Italy lead the group by three points but France could still take first when the teams meet in Milan on Sunday.
North Macedonia locked up first place in C4 as the Faroe Island, the fourth smallest UEFA nation, climbed into position for a potential promotion playoff.
Austria’s Christoph Baumgartner and Michael Gregoritsch scored in the first 25 minutes in Almaty by which time Kazakhstan were down to ten men.
Austria saw out a 2-0 win and top Group B3 on goal difference from Norway won 4-1 in Slovenia with Erling Haaland scoring once.
North Macedonia won 1-0 at home to Latvia to go seven points clear in C4 ahead of the Faroes.
The islanders won 1-0 in Armenia with a goal from Viljormur Davidsen.