Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire continued across southern Lebanon as tensions escalated sharply, while Tel Aviv signaled it was preparing to widen its military operations and potentially target Beirut’s southern suburbs again.

Israeli public broadcaster reported that the Israeli military has issued emergency reserve call-up orders as part of preparations to expand operations beyond the so-called “yellow line” in southern Lebanon. The broadcaster said the military has begun mobilizing forces to intensify its campaign and ordered recently discharged soldiers to immediately return to reserve duty.

Israeli Channel 15 reported that the area of Rosh HaNikra, near the Lebanese border, was declared a closed military zone until at least May 31 following the latest escalation in the north.

Channel 13 reported that Israel’s security cabinet was expected to hold a meeting to discuss the situation in Lebanon as well as broader regional developments, including the possibility of an emerging agreement involving Iran.

On the ground, Israeli warplanes carried out three overnight airstrikes on the towns of Srifa, Shhour and Arzoun. In Arzoun, the home of the town’s mayor was completely destroyed, according to local reports.

Further strikes hit multiple areas across the south, including Yohmor al-Shaqif, Braachit, the Wadi neighborhood of Doueir, and the outskirts of Haris. Other targeted locations included Barish, Kafra, Deir al-Zahrani, Kawthariyet al-Riz, Ghandouriyeh, Frun, Housh, and surrounding areas.

Heavy artillery shelling also targeted several towns, including Kafra, Qaqaiyet al-Jisr, Shhour, Srifa, Arnoun, Yohmor al-Shaqif, Zawtar al-Sharqiyeh and Mifdoun, as well as areas near the Beaufort Castle rest site.

The town of Mifadoun was also struck repeatedly since dawn by Israeli air raids, according to local reports.

Separate strikes were reported in Majdal Selem and Kfarsir, while artillery fire also hit Hadatha.

Earlier in the morning, Israeli aircraft targeted the industrial zone near Tyre at the Maarka junction, striking a building that had reportedly been threatened by the Israeli military a day earlier.

The death toll from overnight strikes on the town of Machghara rose to 12, including Sheikh Hussein Rizk, with several others wounded. Rescue teams continued clearing rubble from the site as search operations went on.

On the Israeli side, media reports said a Hezbollah drone exploded near Baranit without causing any injuries.