The Israeli military says that it has expanded its ground operations in southern Lebanon to additional areas and that its forces had crossed the Litani River to strengthen Israeli military positions in the region.

The Israeli military said "a significant number" of ground troops had begun offensive operations aimed at expanding what it called the "Forward Defense Line," adding that the operation was "currently expanding to additional areas."

The announcement on May 31 came two days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli forces had crossed the Litani River, about 30 kilometers north of the Israel-Lebanon border.

The military said its forces had seized Beaufort Castle and the adjacent Beaufort Ridge, a strategic high ground overlooking large parts of southern Lebanon and northern Israel. It said one Israeli soldier was killed during the operation.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israeli troops had raised the Israeli flag over the castle, which is also known as Qalaat al-Shaqif. He described the site as "one of the most important strategic points for defending communities of the Galilee" and ensuring the security of Israeli forces.

The castle has long held significant military value. Israeli forces used the fortress as a base during their 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon, which ended in 2000.

The Israeli military also warned civilians south of the Zahrani River to move immediately to areas north of the river, saying it was intensifying operations against Hezbollah.

A cease-fire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, which is considered a terrorist organization by the United States, officially took effect on April 17, but has largely failed to hold, with both sides accusing each other of violations.

On May 30, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Israel of pursuing a "scorched earth policy" in southern Lebanon.

Lebanon's Health Ministry says that Israeli attacks have killed at least 3,371 people since March 2.