Israeli Forces Cross Litani River, Seize Beaufort Castle in Lebanon

Israeli forces expanded their ground operation in Lebanon on Sunday, crossing the Litani River and capturing the historic Beaufort castle near the southern city of Nabatieh. The Israeli military described the move as establishing a permanent presence in territory previously held by Hezbollah.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said troops had planted an Israeli flag on the medieval castle, which overlooks much of south Lebanon.

Hezbollah fired more than 300 projectiles at Israeli positions in Lebanon and at communities in northern Israel over the weekend, according to the Israeli military. The Lebanese health ministry reported that Israeli airstrikes since March have killed at least 3,370 people and caused widespread damage in southern Lebanon and Beirut.

More than 20 Israeli soldiers and four Israeli civilians have been killed in the fighting.

Thousands of residents in dozens of towns and villages in south Lebanon have been ordered to evacuate ahead of the deeper advance. Israeli schools within 20 kilometers of the border have been closed and public gatherings restricted. The military operation coincides with ongoing talks between Lebanese government officials and Israel aimed at ending hostilities.

Lebanon is seeking a complete truce, while Israel wants guarantees that Hezbollah will be removed from the south. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the escalation and called for an immediate ceasefire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated: "I have instructed the IDF to expand the incursion in Lebanon.

The operation marks the broadest Israeli ground incursion into Lebanon in a quarter-century.