The Israeli Prime Minister has ordered the military to expand ground operations further into southern Lebanon, citing the need to control areas previously held by Hezbollah.
On 31 May 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed that he had instructed the military to deploy forces deeper into Lebanese territory while Israel continues its attacks against Hezbollah, which is supported by Iran, despite a ceasefire agreement declared over six weeks ago.
“I have ordered the military units to expand ground operations in Lebanon,” Netanyahu stated in a press release, adding that his goal is to “tighten and expand our control over areas formerly occupied by Hezbollah.”
The fighting in Lebanon is the most widespread impact of the Iran-related war, forcing over 1.2 million Lebanese to become displaced due to Israeli air strikes and evacuation orders since 2 March, after Hezbollah fired rockets and drones into Israel in support of its Iranian ally.
The Lebanese government reported that Israeli military actions have resulted in over 3,370 deaths, while Israel stated that 24 soldiers and 4 civilians have died during the same period. Additionally, tens of thousands of Israelis in the country's north have also been displaced by rockets and drones launched by Hezbollah.
In Israel’s latest advance, they succeeded in capturing Beaufort Castle, which is over 900 years old, along with the strategic ridge lines crucial to southern Lebanon.
The seizure of Beaufort Castle gives the Israeli military a tactical advantage, allowing broad visibility over much of southern Lebanon and northern Israel, areas previously used to launch attacks on Israeli residential zones.
This marks the first time Israel has reoccupied this area since May 2000, when Israeli forces withdrew from southern Lebanon after an 18-year occupation.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said troops will remain stationed at Beaufort Castle as part of Israel’s security zone in southern Lebanon.
“This operation is not over,” he said. “We are all committed to completely destroying Hezbollah’s military capabilities.”
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Source:cna