Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered an expanded ground operation in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah, despite a ceasefire brokered in April. The move comes as fighting intensifies, with Hezbollah launching drones and rockets into northern Israel.
Israeli troops have seized the historic Beaufort Castle and advanced toward the Zaharani River, 10 kilometers north of the Litani River. The goal, Netanyahu stated, is to deepen control over areas once held by Hezbollah. Since March, more than 3,370 people have been killed in Lebanon, and over 1.2 million displaced. Israel reports 24 soldiers and four civilians killed.
France has called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting. The U.S. hosted Israeli and Lebanese defense representatives in Washington to push for a peace plan, but the fighting continues as Israel aims to dismantle Hezbollah's infrastructure.
Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized the determination to "crush Hezbollah's power." The campaign, now focused on the Beaufort Ridge, marks a significant escalation with no immediate comment from Hezbollah or Lebanon.