Israeli forces seize historic Beaufort Castle in deepest Lebanon advance in more than 25 years
Israeli forces have captured the strategic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, marking their deepest advance into the country in more than 25 years and signaling a major escalation in the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.
The seizure of the mountaintop fortress near the city of Nabatiyeh followed days of airstrikes and fierce ground battles in surrounding villages. Israeli troops fought Hezbollah fighters in the rugged terrain before securing the historic site, which overlooks large portions of southern Lebanon and northern Israel.
The latest conflict began on March 2 when Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel following military action by the United States and Israel against Iran, Hezbollah’s primary ally. Since then, Israel has carried out a ground offensive in southern Lebanon, taking control of numerous towns and villages near the border, while Hezbollah has responded with thousands of rockets, missiles, and drones targeting Israeli forces and communities.
The capture of Beaufort Castle comes despite a ceasefire that has technically been in place since April 17, and only days before a new round of direct talks between Lebanon and Israel is scheduled to begin in Washington.
Israeli military officials released images showing troops at the fortress, while Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that Israeli forces had raised the national flag over the site. Israel previously occupied the castle after capturing it in 1982 and maintained control until withdrawing from southern Lebanon in 2000.
Katz said the military intends to maintain control of the fortress while continuing operations against what Israel describes as Hezbollah infrastructure throughout southern Lebanon.
Perched above the Litani River, Beaufort Castle has held military significance for centuries. Originally built by Crusaders in the 12th century atop older fortifications, the fortress has been controlled by numerous powers throughout history, including the armies of Saladin, the Mamluks, the Ottomans, French authorities, the Palestine Liberation Organization, and Israel. The site later became a tourist attraction after restoration work was completed following Israel’s withdrawal.
In recent days, Israeli forces have expanded operations beyond the Litani River, an area that previously served as an informal boundary during earlier stages of the conflict. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the capture of Beaufort as a significant development and said it reflects broader Israeli security policies along its borders.
Israeli authorities have designated a large area between the Litani and Zahrani rivers as a combat zone and have urged residents in parts of southern Lebanon, including areas near Nabatiyeh and the coastal city of Tyre, to evacuate.
Analysts say the territorial gains could strengthen Israel’s position ahead of upcoming negotiations. Some observers believe control of additional territory may provide leverage in future discussions regarding security arrangements and a potential withdrawal.
Meanwhile, fighting continues across the region. Israeli airstrikes near Tyre reportedly wounded multiple health workers, while strikes near Nabatiyeh killed and injured several people. Hezbollah has claimed attacks against Israeli troops and military equipment in southern Lebanon and has also launched rockets toward northern Israeli communities.
The group has increasingly relied on fiber-optic drones that are difficult to detect, creating challenges for Israeli defenses. Israeli authorities reported hundreds of missile and drone alerts across northern Israel over the past day.
The latest round of fighting has caused widespread destruction and displacement. More than one million people have been forced from their homes in Lebanon, and thousands have been killed since hostilities intensified. Israel has also reported military and civilian casualties as cross-border attacks continue.
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