By Anietie anii-bassey
Israeli forces have captured the strategically significant Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, marking their deepest military advance into Lebanese territory in more than 25 years and signaling a major escalation in the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.
The Israeli military announced on Sunday that its troops had taken control of the mountaintop fortress after several days of intense fighting and airstrikes in the surrounding region.
The castle, located near the southern Lebanese city of Nabatiyeh, sits atop a commanding hill overlooking vast areas of southern Lebanon, northern Israel, and the Litani River valley, making it one of the most important military positions in the region.
The capture of the historic fortress represents a significant development in the war between Israel and Hezbollah, which erupted on March 2 after Hezbollah launched rocket attacks into northern Israel following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran.
Since then, the conflict has expanded dramatically, with Israel launching a ground invasion into southern Lebanon and Hezbollah responding with sustained missile and drone attacks.
Israeli military operations have gradually pushed deeper into Lebanese territory, resulting in the capture of numerous villages and towns near the border. Hezbollah, meanwhile, has continued targeting Israeli troops and civilian areas in northern Israel with thousands of rockets, missiles, and drones.
The latest advance comes despite a ceasefire agreement that has technically been in place since April 17. The renewed military activity has raised concerns among international diplomats, particularly as Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to begin another round of direct negotiations in Washington this week.
France sharply criticized the Israeli operation, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot calling for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council. He described Israel’s continuing military campaign and territorial expansion inside Lebanon as unacceptable and warned against further escalation.
Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee released images showing Israeli soldiers operating around the fortress, while Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Israeli troops had raised the national flag over the site.
For Israel, the capture carries deep symbolic significance. Israeli forces first seized Beaufort Castle during the 1982 Lebanon War and maintained control of it throughout much of Israel’s 18-year military presence in southern Lebanon. The fortress remained under Israeli control until the withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000.
Speaking during a memorial event honoring Israeli soldiers killed during the previous occupation of southern Lebanon, Katz emphasized the symbolic return to the site.
He stated that the Israeli flag was once again flying over strategic heights overlooking communities in northern Israel, describing the operation as a milestone in Israel’s current military campaign.
Israeli officials indicated that forces intend to maintain their presence around the castle while continuing operations against what they describe as Hezbollah military infrastructure throughout southern Lebanon. Israeli authorities have repeatedly accused Hezbollah of using civilian areas and buildings for military purposes, allegations the group has denied.
Beaufort Castle’s history stretches back nearly a thousand years. Constructed by Crusaders during the 12th century atop even older fortifications, the fortress has passed through the hands of numerous empires and armies, including those led by Saladin, the Mamluks, the Ottoman Empire, French colonial forces, and later the Palestine Liberation Organization.
Its name derives from Old French and translates as “beautiful fortress.” Over centuries, the castle’s elevated position made it one of the most sought-after military strongholds in the Levant.
Following the Israeli withdrawal in 2000, portions of the castle were restored and opened to tourists. During the previous Israel-Hezbollah conflict in 2024, UNESCO granted enhanced protection status to Beaufort Castle and dozens of other cultural heritage sites across Lebanon to help safeguard them from wartime damage.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the seizure of Beaufort as a major turning point in the conflict. He said the operation reflected Israel’s broader security strategy, which includes maintaining military positions in areas bordering Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza.
Netanyahu also claimed that Israeli forces have killed approximately 3,000 Hezbollah fighters since the beginning of the war. Hezbollah has not publicly released comprehensive casualty figures, making independent verification difficult.
In recent days, Israeli troops have expanded their operations beyond the Litani River, which has historically served as an important geographic and military boundary in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military has declared a broad area extending from the Litani River northward to the Zahrani River a combat zone and has urged residents to evacuate.
The advance has brought Israeli forces within roughly five kilometers of Nabatiyeh, one of southern Lebanon’s largest and most important cities. Israeli evacuation warnings have also extended to the coastal city of Tyre, Lebanon’s fourth-largest urban center, and nearby communities.
Neither Hezbollah nor the Lebanese government immediately issued detailed responses to the capture of Beaufort Castle.
Political analysts suggest the military gains could strengthen Israel’s position ahead of upcoming negotiations with Lebanon. Some observers believe Israel is attempting to secure as much territory as possible before any future ceasefire arrangements or withdrawal discussions take place.
Meanwhile, fighting across southern Lebanon has continued.
Israeli airstrikes reportedly struck areas near Tyre, including locations close to Hiram Hospital. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said 13 healthcare workers were injured. Another strike near Nabatiyeh reportedly killed eight people and wounded 16 others, according to Lebanese state media.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for attacks targeting Israeli troops and a Merkava tank near the border town of Bayada. The group also reported clashes with Israeli forces in several locations north of the Litani River and said it launched attacks against targets in northern Israel, including areas near Haifa and Nahariya.
On Saturday, Hezbollah fired multiple rocket barrages toward Kiryat Shmona, one of the largest Israeli cities near the Lebanese border.
Israeli military officials have expressed growing concern over Hezbollah’s use of fiber-optic-guided drones, which are more difficult to detect and intercept than conventional unmanned aircraft. According to Israeli authorities, nearly 200 missile and drone alerts were issued across northern Israel within a 24-hour period.
The conflict has exacted a heavy humanitarian toll. More than 3,350 people have reportedly been killed in Lebanon since the war began, while over one million residents have been displaced from their homes.
On the Israeli side, Netanyahu’s office reported that at least 25 soldiers and one defense contractor have been killed during military operations in or around southern Lebanon. Two civilians have also been killed in northern Israel as a result of cross-border attacks.
As diplomatic efforts continue and military operations intensify, the seizure of Beaufort Castle has emerged as both a strategic battlefield victory and a powerful symbol of a conflict that continues to reshape the security landscape of the Middle East.