Defence Forces in 'constant contact' with Irish troops in southern Lebanon amid expanded Israeli strikes

Emergency workers use excavators to clear the rubble at the site of an Israeli strike in Beirut's southern suburbs. Picture: AP Photo/Hassan Ammar

Taoiseach Simon Harris has said that he is closely monitoring the situation in South Lebanon, where the Israeli military has been mounting large-scale attacks, and where Irish troops are currently serving.

The Israeli military said it was widening an aerial offensive against what it says are Hezbollah weapons sites in southern and eastern Lebanon. It warned residents in areas targeted to evacuate.