Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has commanded the military to intensify its ground operations in Lebanon, aiming to extend control over territories previously held by Hezbollah. This move comes despite a ceasefire that was declared over six weeks ago, as fighting between Israeli forces and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group persists along the border.
Netanyahu announced on Sunday his order to “expand ground manoeuvres in Lebanon,” signaling a significant escalation in the conflict. The Israeli military reported capturing the historic Beaufort Castle and a strategic ridge in southern Lebanon, which offers a crucial vantage point over southern Lebanon and northern Israel.
This advance follows one of the most intense days of Hezbollah rocket and drone attacks on northern Israel since the ceasefire in April. These attacks led to school closures and restrictions in the affected regions. Despite the truce, exchanges of fire continue, with Hezbollah increasingly deploying low-cost kamikaze drones that challenge Israeli air defenses.
Since the conflict intensified in March, Lebanese authorities report that more than 3,370 people have died, and over 1.2 million residents have been displaced due to Israeli strikes and evacuation orders. Israel has confirmed the deaths of 24 soldiers and four civilians, while tens of thousands of Israelis near the border have also been forced to evacuate their homes.
The Israeli military, which currently controls territory up to the Litani River, is advancing north toward the Zaharani River, approximately 10 kilometers further into Lebanon. As the fighting escalates, new evacuation warnings have been issued for residents south of the Zaharani River.
Lebanese state media reported that eight individuals were killed in overnight Israeli airstrikes on the village of Deir El Zahrani. Security sources indicated that more than 40 strikes were conducted across southern Lebanon on Sunday alone.
The intensifying violence has raised international alarm. France has called for an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting on Monday to address the crisis. This renewed hostilities occur amid ongoing diplomatic efforts; earlier this month, Israel and Lebanon agreed to extend a US-brokered ceasefire by 45 days. Additionally, defense officials from both nations met in Washington on Friday to discuss a broader peace framework and the potential disarmament of Hezbollah.
Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s goal is to “deepen and expand” its control over areas formerly dominated by Hezbollah, as pressure mounts on his government to secure the northern border.
