Israel Captures Beaufort Castle as Ground Offensive Expands in Southern Lebanon

Beirut: Israeli forces have captured the strategically significant Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon as part of an expanding ground offensive against Hezbollah, pushing deeper into Lebanese territory beyond the Litani River. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the capture as a decisive turning point in the military campaign. Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that the Israeli flag has been raised over the fortress.

Built by Crusaders approximately 900 years ago, the hilltop castle commands a dominant position over the Litani valley. Israel had seized it during the 1982 war against the PLO but withdrew its forces in 2000. Its recapture marks the first time in over two decades that Israeli forces have held the site.

The Israel Defence Forces have issued evacuation warnings to all residents of southern Lebanon below the Zahrani River. Both sides have accused each other of violating temporary ceasefire agreements, even as diplomatic contacts continue in the background.

The offensive has drawn sharp condemnation from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Israel of carrying out collective punishment. France has called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting to address the escalating situation.

The current conflict began after Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on Israel in retaliation for the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on March 2. Israeli air and ground strikes since then have killed more than 3,300 people in Lebanon, according to official figures.