New Delhi, June 1 -- Oil prices climbed more than 2 per cent on Monday as the West Asia conflict rages, with Israel expanding its ground offensive in Lebanon over the weekend.

The capture of the Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon across the Liatni river marks the deepest incursion by Israel in Lebanon.

"My instruction is to deepen and expand our grip on the places that were under Hezbollah's control," an NBC report quoted Netanyahu as saying. "The occupation of Beaufort is a dramatic stage and a dramatic change in the policy that we are leading," he added.

U.S. crude futures rose $2.37 or 2.71% to $89.73 a barrel as of 0028 GMT. Brent futures rose $2.16 or 2.37% to $93.28 a barrel, according to Reuters.

The renewed offensive comes ev...