Oil prices rise by more than 2% following increased fighting around Lebanon. Multiple outlets link the move in crude futures to reports that Israel orders troops to move further into southern Lebanon amid clashes with Hezbollah, including an escalation described as intensifying operations. Market participants treat the development as a sign of heightened regional risk that could disrupt global energy supply. The Hindu and other reports cite gains in both U.S. and Brent crude futures early in trading: U.S. crude futures rise by about $2 or more and Brent is higher by roughly $2-plus per barrel, reflecting a move of around 2% to 3%. Times of India adds that the escalation revives concerns about the outlook for a US-Iran ceasefire extension and broader regional stability, while also pointing to complications around shipping in the Strait of Hormuz from mines that affect efforts to restore traffic. Overall, the sources agree that the geopolitical escalation involving Israel and Hezbollah is driving the increase in crude prices in early trading.