Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on May 31 that he has instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to expand their ground operations in Lebanon, specifically targeting areas previously controlled by the Shiite militant group Hezbollah. This directive includes crossing the Litani River and capturing the Beaufort Ridge, a strategic location with a rich military history. Netanyahu described this move as a dramatic shift in Israel's military policy, stating, "We have broken through the barrier of fear" and are now taking the initiative across multiple fronts, including Syria and Gaza. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the IDF's control over strategic heights north of the Litani River, which includes the historic Beaufort Castle, located about 100 kilometers south of Beirut. The castle has changed hands numerous times since its capture by the Crusaders in 1139 and has retained its military significance over the centuries. Following Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000, the area became a stronghold for Hezbollah militias, but the recent military actions indicate a renewed focus on establishing security zones beyond Israel's borders.