Israel has expanded its military campaign, moving north beyond the Litani River, marking a significant escalation in a conflict that has already strained a fragile ceasefire and raised concerns about a broader regional war.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Israel of pursuing a “scorched-earth policy” as Israeli forces advanced deeper into Lebanese territory and fresh exchanges of fire erupted across the border.

The Israeli military's 36th Division has crossed the Litani River and seized territory north of it, according to Israeli media reports. An Israel Defence Forces (IDF) source told Ynet: “We captured this area and found there a great deal of enemy infrastructure, and there were also clashes... we created crossings over the Litani with a very significant engineering effort.”

The move represents one of the most significant advances by Israeli forces in Lebanon since hostilities intensified. Israeli officials have long viewed the area north of the Litani as strategically important because it now hosts much of Hezbollah’s remaining military infrastructure after extensive damage to the group’s positions further south during months of fighting.

The escalation prompted Israeli authorities to impose new restrictions across northern Israel in anticipation of a retaliation. The Home Front Command closed schools in border communities including Kiryat Shmona, Meron and Beit Jann, restricted public gatherings and shut beaches, while Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya moved some operations underground amid fears of a large-scale Hezbollah response.

Hezbollah launched multiple missile attacks on northern Israel on May 30, according to the Israeli military, the first such strikes in roughly three weeks. Air raid sirens sounded repeatedly throughout the day, with the military warning residents to remain vigilant as operations expanded. Video posted on social media showed Israelis on the beach at Tel Aviv running for cover as drones appeared in the sky over them.

“The IDF is preparing for the possibility of fire from Lebanon, specifically toward northern Israel, following the advancement of IDF operations in southern Lebanon, and in accordance with the situational assessment,” the army said on Telegram. “The IDF emphasizes that, at this stage, the public should remain vigilant, act responsibly while continuing to adhere to the Home Front Command's protective guidelines.”

Israeli officials said most projectiles were intercepted and that others landed in open areas. No injuries were reported.

The renewed fighting comes despite a truce between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement that formally took effect on April 17 but has been repeatedly violated by both sides, according to international monitors and regional officials.

In a televised address, Salam warned that Lebanon was facing a “dangerous” escalation and called for “a swift and real ceasefire”. He accused Israel of “pursuing a scorched-earth policy and collective punishment” by “destroying towns and villages, and forcing their inhabitants into exile”. This would bring “neither security nor stability” to Israel, he said.

The Lebanese leader nevertheless defended ongoing US-backed talks with Israel, including discussions held at the Pentagon on May 29 involving Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

“Are the negotiations guaranteed to succeed? Certainly not. But they are the least costly path for our country and our people, compared to the other options available today,” Salam said. He added: “This path is not easy and will not be short, but it becomes shorter and we become stronger on it when all efforts unite under the roof of the Lebanese state. And that requires renouncing exclusivity and stopping the stubbornness.”

The US has continued to encourage direct engagement between the two sides. Tommy Pigott, spokesperson for the US Department of State, said on May 29: “The Secretary commended President Aoun's courage and vision in pursuing direct negotiations with Israel, even as Hizballah continues its attempts to derail those talks at the expense of the Lebanese people.”

The latest escalation also comes amid reports from Al Jazeera that Israeli is using banned white phosphorus munitions against civilian targets in the village of Arnoun in southern Lebanon.

Israel has previously faced international criticism over allegations of white phosphorus use in March, although it has denied unlawful deployment of the substance. Independent verification of the latest claims was not immediately available.

With Israeli forces now operating beyond the Litani River and Hezbollah resuming cross-border attacks, diplomats fear that prospects for a negotiated settlement remain uncertain despite continued US mediation.