France calls for emergency UN Security Council meeting over Lebanon crisis

France has officially called for an urgent session of the United Nations Security Council to address the rapidly deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Lebanon.

The call comes after the military escalation in southern Lebanon has reached an unprecedented peak following an announcement by the 'Israeli' military that it has established total operational control over the historic Beaufort Castle (Qalaat al-Shaqif).

In tandem with the capture of the fortress, 'Israel' has expanded the scope of its ground incursion, pushing forces into new areas located north of the Litani River.

Earlier, a spokesperson for the 'Israeli' military confirmed that the latest advance followed a large-scale operation executed days prior across the Shaqif heights and the Salouqi Valley.

According to the military, the objective of the push was to eliminate what it described as a "direct threat" to towns in the Galilee Panhandle and Metula.

The spokesperson noted that a large number of troops have launched an expanded offensive to reinforce what the 'Israeli' military terms its "forward defense line."

This tactical escalation follows a prior declaration by 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who stated that a large portion of southern Lebanon has effectively transformed into an open combat zone.