BEIRUT, May 27 (Reuters) - Israel's military on Wednesday declared a new swathe of southern Lebanon as a combat zone and said residents in the area should move north, warning it would act "with great force" against Lebanese armed group Hezbollah in the zone.

Israel has announced a major expansion of its military operations in Lebanon, ordering civilians to leave a vast area south of the Zahrani River. The move comes as fighting with Hezbollah intensifies and diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes.

A provision in the 2027 draft US defence bill could bind the two countries’ weapons industries closer than ever.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that he has directed Israel’s military to take over 70% of Gaza’s territory.

Israel’s air force carried out an airstrike on a southern suburb of Lebanon’s capital on Thursday afternoon, the Israeli military said, further straining a fragile ceasefire a day before crucial negotiations in Washington.

Israeli troops have entered a southern Lebanese village, pushing deeper into the country amid ongoing conflict. On Friday, Lebanese and Israeli military officials began direct talks at the

Israel said it was stepping up attacks on Lebanon this week "to increase the intensity" of fighting against Iran-backed Hezbollah.

President Donald Trump announced "major combat operations" against Iran on Feb. 28, with massive joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting military, government and infrastructure sites.Following the announcement of a two-week ceasefire,