European leaders condemn Israel’s deepening incursion into Lebanon

European leaders have condemned Israel's expanding military incursion into Lebanon, following the capture of Beaufort castle and Prime Minister Netanyahu's vow to push deeper into the country. France has requested an emergency UN Security Council meeting, with President Macron stating that the escalation is unjustified. The UK and Germany also condemned the operation, with Britain calling for the existing ceasefire with Hezbollah to be respected. Israel states it is targeting Hezbollah, which has launched missiles into northern Israel, while Lebanon's prime minister accused Israel of "total destruction." Netanyahu described the castle's capture as a "dramatic shift" and a "symbol of a heroic battle."

Israel has ordered the forced displacement of residents south of the Zahrani River in southern Lebanon as its invasion expands, potentially targeting the city of Nabatieh. The Israeli military has also seized Beaufort Castle, a strategic location near Nabatieh, which Defense Minister Israel Katz described as a significant tactical victory. These actions follow Israeli forces crossing the Litani River for the first time since 2006, as part of an offensive against Hezbollah. Despite Israeli advances, Hezbollah has continued attacks, including a drone strike that killed an Israeli soldier. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has denounced Israel's actions as a "scorched-earth policy" and "collective punishment." Peace talks between Israel and Lebanon are ongoing, but Israel's military strategy is reportedly overshadowing political solutions.

The Israeli military has captured the strategic Beaufort Castle in Lebanon as it expands its ground offensive. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that control of the castle is a significant step in protecting Israeli communities near the border. Israel claims it is intensifying its actions against Hezbollah in response to increased drone and missile attacks from the group. The military announced another soldier was killed, and schools in Israeli border communities were closed as a precaution. Hezbollah had previously fired projectiles towards the area, leading to calls for increased government action to ensure resident safety. The Israeli military has also advised everyone south of the Zahrani river in Lebanon to leave.

Israeli forces conducted airstrikes and artillery shelling near the Crusader-built Beaufort castle in southern Lebanon on Saturday, amidst ongoing fighting in nearby villages. The Israeli military issued evacuation warnings for over a dozen villages. Lebanon's president and prime minister stated they would intensify efforts to halt Israeli actions against homes and historical sites. The National News Agency reported civilian casualties from airstrikes, including a Syrian family. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for rocket fire into northern Israel in retaliation for strikes that killed civilians. In Gaza, a Palestinian nurse was killed in an Israeli strike on a police point, with hospital authorities reporting other casualties. These events occur despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire.

Israeli soldiers have advanced beyond Lebanon's Litani River for the first time since 2006, reaching the outskirts of Nabatieh, a major southern Lebanese city. This move appears to be an attempt to encircle Nabatieh, a significant economic and cultural hub viewed by many as a symbol of resistance. The Israeli military has issued evacuation orders for at least 10 villages in southern Lebanon as it expands its operations, despite ongoing peace talks. This development marks a potential significant escalation in the conflict that began in October 2023.

Israeli forces have advanced across the Litani River in southern Lebanon, an area approximately 30 kilometers north of the shared border, as part of an expanded ground offensive. These actions coincide with planned security talks at the Pentagon between Lebanese and Israeli military delegations. In recent Israeli air strikes on southern Lebanon, at least five people were killed, including four in Abbasiyeh and one in Deir Qanoun al-Nahr. The UN children's agency reports a staggering average of 11 children killed or injured daily in Lebanon due to ongoing attacks. Aid organizations express concern about their ability to operate in southern Lebanon due to the deteriorating security situation, with many hospitals already closed.

An Al Jazeera visual investigation reveals the systematic destruction of Lebanese border towns, particularly Bint Jbeil, by Israeli forces. Analysis of satellite imagery and open-source intelligence indicates a deliberate policy to make southern Lebanon uninhabitable, with over 1,500 buildings destroyed in Bint Jbeil alone. This pattern of demolishing civilian homes and infrastructure is compared to tactics used in Gaza. Local officials and analysts suggest the objective is to create a depopulated buffer zone, preventing residents from returning. Israel states its aim is to establish a buffer zone to counter Hezbollah attacks. The destruction has continued even after ceasefire announcements, suggesting a long-term strategy.