Israel Expands Ground Operations in Southern Lebanon
The Israeli military has extended the area in southern Lebanon from which it has urged residents to evacuate, as it intensifies its ground campaign against Hezbollah.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reiterated its directive for all individuals south of the Zahrani river to leave the region.
"Anyone present near Hezbollah elements, facilities or means of combat endangers their life," a spokesman stated.
This warning followed the army's confirmation of its capture of Beaufort Castle, a strategically significant site located on a high ridge overlooking the Litani river.
Each day brings further expansion in Israel's conflict with Hezbollah.
This recent evacuation notice marks the second time in recent days that Israel has instructed residents to vacate the entire southern area below the Zahrani river.
An IDF spokesman reported that a "significant number of IDF ground soldiers" are engaged in the operation, which is "currently expanding to additional areas."
This development clearly indicates that Israeli ground forces are advancing deeper into Lebanese territory beyond their initial demarcation line at the Litani river.
Casualties and International Reactions
Meanwhile, Lebanon's Health Ministry announced on Sunday that 13 hospital staff members were injured in an airstrike near Hiram hospital in Tyre, which sustained considerable damage.
France, maintaining historical ties with Lebanon, has requested a meeting of the United Nations Security Council to address the Israeli military operations.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot described the situation as a "major mistake for Israel" during an interview with French network BFMTV.
"Nothing can justify the prolongation of [Israel's] military operations in Lebanon and its increasingly deep occupation of Lebanese territory," he said.
Strategic Capture of Beaufort Castle
Just beyond the Litani river, the IDF confirmed its capture of Beaufort Castle, a key strategic objective in the region. The fortress, constructed by the Crusaders approximately 900 years ago, commands views from cliffs above the Litani river and has been contested in numerous conflicts since its establishment.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized the capture as "a dramatic stage and dramatic change in our policy."
"We have broken the barrier of fear. We are taking the initiative, we are operating on all fronts - in Syria, in Gaza, in Lebanon," he said.
Defence Minister Israel Katz recalled a battle fought by the Israeli army for the fort 44 years ago, noting that the Golani Brigade, which secured it then, had returned to raise the Israeli flag above it.
This victory holds both symbolic and strategic significance for Israel.
For Lebanon, Beaufort Castle is the latest historic landmark seized in recent days, while the city of Nabatieh further north appears to be increasingly targeted by the IDF.
Katz emphasized that control of the castle and its ridge is a crucial step in safeguarding Israeli communities across the border.
Context of the Conflict
Israel states that it has intensified its offensive against Hezbollah in response to the Iranian-backed group's escalation of explosive drone and missile attacks targeting Israeli troops within Lebanon and civilian communities across the border.
The military confirmed the death of another soldier, and schools in Israeli border communities were closed on Sunday as a precautionary measure.
On Saturday, Hezbollah launched approximately 25 projectiles toward this area, prompting opposition Israeli politicians to urge the government to enhance resident safety measures.
In Lebanon, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam delivered a televised address accusing Israel of a "scorched-earth policy and collective punishment" in southern Lebanon.
Despite the conflict, a fourth round of negotiations between Israeli and Lebanese government delegations is scheduled to take place in Washington this week.
Salam has stated that this diplomatic channel represents Lebanon's sole path away from the conflict, although Hezbollah is not participating. The Lebanese government and army remain observers in the ongoing confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah.
Since hostilities reignited in early March—following Hezbollah's rocket attacks into Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei—Lebanese authorities report over 3,300 fatalities, while Israeli military deaths number 25.
Additional reporting by Robert Greenall.
