Netanyahu orders military to expand operations into Lebanon as Israel captures historic fort

Netanyahu says he ordered IDF to expand its ground operation in Lebanon

Netanyahu ordered the IDF to expand ground operations in Lebanon, crossing the Litani River and capturing Beaufort Ridge — a 300m strategic height 100km south of Beirut previously held by Hezbollah. The move signals a deliberate escalation into buffer-zone territory beyond Israel's borders, extending a multi-front posture (Gaza, Syria, Lebanon) that defense and security leaders should factor into regional risk assessments.