'Israel' asks US to allow for expanded Beirut strikes: Hebrew media

• Senior 'Israeli' officials reportedly requested US approval to expand strikes in Beirut.
• IOF says it has taken control of key positions north of the Litani River amid continued operations against Hezbollah.

Senior 'Israeli' officials have asked the United States to allow the IOF to expand its strikes in Beirut, according to sources cited by The Jerusalem Post, as military operations in southern Lebanon intensify.

The report says the request was made amid stalled diplomatic efforts involving both Washington and Tehran, as well as ongoing talks between 'Israel' and Lebanon.

According to the sources cited, 'Israeli' officials are seeking broader operational approval to increase the scale of strikes in Beirut, arguing that current negotiations have made limited progress.

The report adds that officials in 'Israel' believe the US response could be more flexible given the broader regional deadlock.

Separately, the IOF announced that its forces have taken control of the Beaufort Ridge outpost and areas in Wadi al-Saluki, north of the Litani River in southern Lebanon.

The military said air force units, artillery, and tanks carried out extensive strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure to support the advance and reduce resistance on the ground.

IOF statements also indicated operations near the Nabatiya area, which it described as a major Hezbollah stronghold.

Military officials said forces are operating deeper in southern Lebanon than during earlier phases of the conflict, with potential plans to extend operations further if required.

Nabatiya lies roughly 20 kilometers from the border, marking one of the deepest reported advances by ground forces in the current escalation.

The escalation has drawn renewed international concern.

UK Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper called for an end to 'Israel’s' operations in Lebanon, warning of civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also urged de-escalation, warning that further escalation could worsen displacement and instability in Lebanon.

Fighting along the Lebanon border has intensified in recent weeks, with repeated drone and rocket attacks attributed to Hezbollah and continued 'Israeli' military operations in southern Lebanon.