Israeli forces seize strategic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon

Israeli forces announced on Sunday that they had taken control of Beaufort Castle, a Crusader‑era fortress situated on a mountain in southern Lebanon. The capture marks Israel’s deepest military incursion into Lebanese territory in more than 25 years.

The historic stronghold, located near the city of Nabatiyeh, fell after several days of intense clashes and airstrikes on nearby villages. Israeli troops engaged Hezbollah fighters in the mountainous region during the operation.

The development is a significant military gain for Israel amid its ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, which escalated into full‑scale hostilities in early March. It adds to decades of tension between Israel and Lebanon that began with the establishment of the Israeli state in 1948.

The operation was carried out despite a ceasefire agreement that has technically remained in effect since April 17.

Avichay Adraee, the Israeli military spokesperson for Arabic‑language media, posted a photograph on X showing soldiers moving around the fortress grounds after its capture.

Beaufort Castle has played a prominent role in the two‑country conflict. Israeli forces first seized the site in 1982 and maintained a presence there until withdrawing from southern Lebanon in 2000.

In a statement, the Israeli military said it had launched an operation several days earlier across the Beaufort Ridge and the nearby Suluki Valley. The stated objective was to dismantle Hezbollah positions and eliminate what it described as direct threats to Israeli civilians.

The military added that it remained prepared to widen the scope of the operation if circumstances required.

Israel has intensified its military campaign in Lebanon in recent days, issuing evacuation warnings to residents across the country’s southern region while deploying troops beyond the Litani River, an area that had long served as an informal dividing line in previous phases of the conflict.