Source: Israel seeks US support to expand its offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon

Israeli media reported that Israel is seeking US support to expand its offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon, including launching air strikes on Beirut, the capital of Lebanon.

Xinhua News Agency quoted Israel's 12th Channel TV as reporting on Sunday (May 31st) that Israel is considering changing its strategy, shifting from previously focusing on controlling the southern part of Lebanon to conducting air strikes over a wider area of Lebanon. Prime Minister Netanyahu recently spoke by phone with US Secretary of State Rubio, attempting to persuade the US to support his position.

The report also stated that the military recently submitted several sets of combat plans to the Israeli leadership, some of which involved conducting military operations in Beirut. An Israeli official said that the US "showed a more open attitude" towards the related actions, but "had not yet fully approved" them.

According to AFP, Netanyahu earlier that day vowed to further penetrate into Lebanon.

He said that the Israeli army has captured the Beaufort Ridge stronghold in southern Lebanon and will further expand its military operations in the Lebanese territory. He added that the capture of Beaufort Castle represents a "major shift" in the Israeli policy and that the Israeli side will continue to take proactive actions in multiple directions including Syria, the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.

The Lebanese Ministry of Health said that Israel continued to launch attacks on Lebanon. On May 31, an attack on Darzahran in southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of eight people, including three women.

Boford Castle is a medieval fortress from the Crusader period with a history of approximately 900 years. It is located on a steep ridge near Nabatieh in southern Lebanon. Due to its commanding vantage point, it has always been an important strategic stronghold for controlling the southern part of Lebanon.