Israeli forces expanded operations in southern Lebanon on Friday, seizing control of the town of Dibbine after a night of intense airstrikes and artillery shelling across the Marjayoun district, just hours before Lebanese and Israeli military officials were due to meet in the United States for talks under American supervision.

Local media reported that Israeli troops entered Dibbine early Friday following heavy overnight bombardment targeting several areas in southern Lebanon. Israeli armored vehicles, including tanks and bulldozers, were later seen deployed at the town’s entrances and throughout its streets.

The escalation came amid sustained Israeli military activity across the south, with Israeli warplanes flying at low altitude over the region while artillery shelling continued to pound the city of Nabatiyeh from dawn onward.

Israeli artillery also struck the area surrounding the historic Beaufort Castle in Arnoun.

Sarkis Khoury, director general of antiquities at Lebanon’s Ministry of Culture, said the site suffered damage to its surroundings as well as limited damage inside the historic structure itself.

“We are in contact with UNESCO’s director-general to request protection for the site,” Khoury told Voice of Lebanon radio.

Meanwhile, an Israeli strike targeted a position belonging to emergency response teams affiliated with the Islamic Risala Scout Association in Maaroub, with reports indicating that one person was killed and another wounded.

Israeli shelling also hit the area between the southern towns of Aabba and Jibsheet.

As the escalation intensified, Israeli army spokesman Col. Avichay Adraee issued an urgent evacuation warning to residents of the southern Lebanese village of Ain Qana ahead of planned strikes.

“In light of Hezbollah’s violations of the ceasefire agreement, the IDF is forced to act against it with force. The IDF does not intend to harm you,” Adraee said in a post on X. “For your safety, you must evacuate your homes immediately and move at least 1,000 meters away from the village into open areas."

“Anyone located near Hezbollah operatives, facilities, or combat equipment is putting their life at risk,” Adraee warned.