Israel says it plans to occupy southern Lebanon as fighting escalates

Israel has announced plans to occupy southern Lebanon, with its defense minister saying it will hold the area and block residents from returning. The announcement comes as Israeli forces intensify attacks across Lebanon, including strikes in Beirut that killed three people and the destruction of a mosque minaret.

Israeli soldiers have also been wounded in the fighting, with a medical center reporting 23 injured soldiers hospitalized. The escalation in cross-border fire follows increased hostilities between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.