JERUSALEM -- Israel's military announced Sunday that three communities in the north, near the border with Lebanon, have been declared a "closed military zone," a move that could signal an expansion of its ground invasion into Lebanon.

The military said in a statement that the areas of Manara, Yiftah, and Malkia were closed "following a situational assessment," adding that entry to these areas is now prohibited.

Earlier this week, just hours before Israel's ground campaign into southern Lebanon, the military declared three additional border towns a closed military zone.

State-owned Kan TV reported that the military plans to expand its ground operation in Lebanon, which it says is aimed at dismantling Hezbollah's military capabilities. Approximately 2,000 people have been killed by Israeli fire since Israel began the escalation about two weeks ago.