Israel seizes castle in Lebanon as it expands ground offensive

The Israeli military has increased the zone in southern Lebanon that it has warned residents to evacuate from, as it further expands its ground operations against Hezbollah.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reiterated its warning to everyone south of the Zahrani river to leave.

"Anyone present near Hezbollah elements, facilities or means of combat endangers their life," a spokesman said.

The warning came shortly after the army confirmed it had taken Beaufort Castle, a strategic point on a high ridge above the Litani river.

Every day is bringing a new expansion in Israel's war against Hezbollah.

The latest evacuation warning is the second time in recent days that Israel has told residents to leave the entire south of the country below the Zahrani river.

The IDF spokesman said that a "significant number of IDF ground soldiers" were involved in the operation, which was "currently expanding to additional areas".

It's another clear indication that Israeli ground forces are moving ever deeper into Lebanese territory beyond their original demarcation line of the Litani river.