Middle East Crisis Israel-Hezbollah

Netanyahu: Has ordered expanded operation in Lebanon

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has ordered the army to further expand the military operation in Lebanon, writes Reuters.

The Israeli military announced on Sunday morning that it had crossed the Litani River and captured the medieval fortress of Beaufort. It is the most extensive occupation of the country since Israel withdrew from Lebanon in 2000.

- We will restore security for our population in the north, just as we did for the population in the south. It will take time, but we will complete the mission, says Benjamin Netanyahu according to L’Orient Le Jour.

During Sunday, the Israeli military continued to issue what are called evacuation orders for villages further inland.

France calls for emergency meeting on Lebanon: “Big mistake by Israel”

France is calling for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on the situation in Lebanon, reports France Info.

– Nothing can justify the extension of Israel’s military presence in Lebanon and its ever-widening occupation of Lebanese territory. This is a big mistake by Israel, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot told BFM.

Israeli troops have taken over increasingly large parts of Lebanon during the ongoing conflict, despite the fact that a ceasefire formally prevails. The Israeli military has claimed that this is necessary to defend itself against the terrorist movement Hezbollah.

Israel advances in Lebanon – has taken castle ruins

Israeli forces continue to advance in southern Lebanon. Soldiers have now taken the Beaufort castle ruins near the town of Nabatieh, a site controlled by Israel until 2000.

The AP reports that Israel has now made its deepest advance into Lebanon in over 25 years.

Intense fighting has been going on between Israeli soldiers and Hezbollah members in the area for several days, despite a formal ceasefire.