Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has instructed the army to deepen its ground manoeuvre in Lebanon, intensifying operations against Hezbollah amid ongoing cross-border clashes.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the country’s military to expand its ground operations in Lebanon, marking a further escalation in the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, according to Reuters.
The announcement comes as fighting intensifies along the Israel-Lebanon border, with both sides continuing exchanges despite a ceasefire agreement announced more than six weeks ago.
Speaking on Sunday, Netanyahu said he had instructed the Israeli military “to expand the manoeuvre in Lebanon” and deepen control over areas previously held by Hezbollah.
He added that Israeli forces would “deepen and expand our grip on the places that were under Hezbollah’s control,” signaling a more aggressive phase of operations.
According to Israeli broadcaster Kan, Netanyahu described the capture of Beaufort Castle as a “dramatic step” and a shift in Israel’s military approach in the region.
Strategic advances in Southern Lebanon
Israeli forces recently seized the historic Beaufort Castle and surrounding high ground in southern Lebanon, a move the military says gives them a strategic vantage point over large parts of the border region.
The site had not been under Israeli control since 2000, when troops withdrew after an 18-year presence in southern Lebanon.
Defence officials said the operation is aimed at establishing a broader “security zone” and limiting Hezbollah’s operational capacity near the border.
Lebanon accuses Israel of escalation
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has accused Israel of pursuing a “scorched-earth policy” as its military expands ground operations in southern Lebanon.
The conflict has displaced more than 1.2 million people in Lebanon since early March, according to official figures, amid ongoing strikes and evacuation orders.
Heavy casualties and regional spillover
The fighting has become one of the most intense spillovers of regional tensions, with both sides suffering casualties.
Lebanese authorities report thousands of deaths since the escalation began, while Israel says its own soldiers and civilians have also been killed in rocket and drone attacks launched by Hezbollah.
Israeli officials say tens of thousands of residents in northern Israel have been displaced due to ongoing cross-border fire.
Netanyahu said Israel is operating “on all fronts – in Syria, Gaza, Lebanon,” and has established buffer zones to protect its communities.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that forces will remain in strategic positions such as Beaufort Castle, calling it part of Israel’s long-term security strategy.
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