Israel ordered new displacement measures across southern Lebanon on Sunday and expanded its military incursion against Hezbollah, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directing troops to move further north despite an ongoing ceasefire.
Israeli forces issued evacuation warnings for all residents south of the Zahrani River, urging them to move north immediately as military operations intensified around the southern city of Nabatieh.
The latest advance came after Israeli troops crossed the Litani River and captured the historic Beaufort Castle, a strategic hilltop position overlooking large areas of southern Lebanon and northern Israel.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the seizure of Beaufort Castle and the surrounding ridge as a significant tactical achievement, saying the operation expanded Israel's military reach in southern Lebanon.
Netanyahu said he had instructed the military to broaden its ground manoeuvre with the aim of deepening and expanding Israeli control over areas previously held by Hezbollah.
Israeli troops are now pushing toward the Zahrani River, approximately 10 kilometres north of the Litani River, while also operating near Nabatieh, a major Hezbollah stronghold and an important economic and cultural centre in southern Lebanon.
The military said the operation was focused on establishing control of the Beaufort Ridge and the Wadi al-Saluki area while targeting Hezbollah infrastructure and capabilities.
Israel confirmed that one soldier was killed in a Hezbollah drone attack, bringing the number of Israeli military fatalities since the escalation began on March 2 higher amid continued cross-border fighting.
The military escalation unfolded as U.S.-brokered peace efforts continued between Israel and Lebanon.
Officials from both countries met in Washington on Friday to discuss implementation of a ceasefire extended by 45 days earlier this month, with further negotiations expected next week.
France sharply criticised Israel's actions and requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that while Israel has a right to self-defence, "nothing can justify the continuation of Israeli military operations in Lebanon and its ever-deeper occupation of Lebanese territory".
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also condemned the offensive, accusing Israel of pursuing a "scorched-earth policy" and imposing collective punishment on southern Lebanese communities.
The conflict has displaced large numbers of civilians in both Lebanon and northern Israel as exchanges of fire continue despite ceasefire arrangements remaining formally in place.