Netanyahu Orders Expanded Military Operations in Lebanon
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday, May 31, 2026, that he has directed the military to expand its control over areas in Lebanon held by Hezbollah. The directive was issued in a video-taped statement following the capture of Beaufort Ridge, including a strategic castle at its summit, in southern Lebanon.
The area lies beyond the security zone held by Israel since a ceasefire was implemented in mid-April. Netanyahu stated that after his order to expand operations in Lebanon, Israeli forces crossed the Litani River and seized key locations, including Beaufort.
He emphasized that the current goal is to strengthen control over captured positions, describing the capture of Beaufort as a dramatic phase and a major policy shift. Netanyahu also claimed that since the multi-front war began in October 2023, Israel has killed 8,000 Hezbollah militants, including 700 in the past month alone.
