Israeli Troops Capture Historic Beaufort Castle in Major Lebanon Escalation

Israeli forces have captured the historic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, marking the deepest Israeli military incursion into Lebanese territory in more than 26 years as the conflict with Hezbollah continues to escalate despite a ceasefire agreement reached earlier this year.

The medieval fortress, located near the city of Nabatieh and overlooking large parts of southern Lebanon and northern Israel, was seized after days of intense fighting and airstrikes in surrounding villages. The hilltop stronghold is regarded as one of the most strategically significant positions in the region due to its commanding view of key military routes and border areas.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an expansion of military operations in southern Lebanon, with the Israeli military saying the offensive aims to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure and establish greater operational control over the Beaufort Ridge and Wadi al-Saluki region. Israeli troops have reportedly crossed beyond the Litani River, a key geographic boundary that has historically played a major role in previous conflicts between the two sides.

The capture of Beaufort Castle carries both military and symbolic significance. Built during the Crusader era nearly 900 years ago, the fortress has been controlled by various powers throughout history and was previously occupied by Israeli forces during their presence in southern Lebanon between 1982 and 2000.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the operation, accusing Israel of pursuing a “scorched-earth policy” in southern Lebanon. Lebanese officials have expressed concerns that the expanding offensive could lead to a prolonged occupation of parts of the country, while humanitarian agencies warn of growing displacement among civilians.

The latest developments come despite a ceasefire announced on April 17. Hostilities have continued, however, with Hezbollah launching rocket and drone attacks into northern Israel and Israeli forces responding with airstrikes and ground operations across southern Lebanon. The conflict has displaced more than one million people in Lebanon and resulted in thousands of deaths since fighting intensified earlier this year.

The seizure of Beaufort Castle is expected to feature prominently in upcoming U.S.-brokered talks between Israeli and Lebanese officials, as international concern grows over the risk of a broader regional conflict.