Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Jun 1: Israeli forces have captured the strategic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to deepen and expand its operations inside Lebanese territory.
The capture of the centuries-old fortress, located near the city of Nabatiyeh and around 14.5 kilometres from the Israeli border, follows days of intense fighting in the region.
In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the operation was aimed at establishing operational control over the Beaufort Ridge and the Wadi al-Saluki area while dismantling infrastructure allegedly used by Hezbollah.
According to the Israeli military, the operation began several days ago as part of efforts to expand what it described as a forward defence line. The IDF claimed Hezbollah fighters had used the Beaufort Ridge to direct military operations and launch attacks against Israel.
Built by Crusaders nearly 900 years ago on a high cliff overlooking the Litani River, the fortress has long been regarded as one of southern Lebanon's most strategically significant sites. Israeli forces had previously occupied the castle during earlier conflicts and last controlled it before withdrawing from southern Lebanon in 2000.
The operation comes amid escalating hostilities despite a US-mediated ceasefire agreed upon by the Israeli and Lebanese governments in April.
Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported heavy Israeli air strikes and intense shelling around the castle on Saturday. Hezbollah claimed it had destroyed an Israeli tank near the site during the fighting.
Earlier, the Arnoun Municipality had condemned Israeli bombardment in the area and appealed to international organisations to help protect the historic structure.
Netanyahu praised the military operation, describing it as a major achievement.
“We returned to Beaufort stronger than ever,” he said, adding that Israeli troops had raised both the national flag and the flag of the Golani Brigade at the captured outpost.
He described the seizure of the castle as a “dramatic stage” and a significant shift in Israel’s security policy.
The fortress has been recognised by UNESCO as one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the Near East. In late 2024, UNESCO granted it provisional enhanced protection, the highest level of immunity against attacks or military use, following Israel’s ground incursion into Lebanon.
Beaufort Castle was also the scene of fierce fighting between Israeli forces and the Palestine Liberation Organization during Israel’s 1982 invasion of Lebanon. UNESCO has noted that the structure suffered significant damage during Israel’s 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon.
Israel has expanded its military operations in recent days, pushing deeper into Lebanese territory. Netanyahu stated on Friday that Israeli forces had crossed the Litani River, located approximately 30 kilometres north of Israel’s border.
On Sunday, he directed the military to deepen and widen control over areas previously held by Hezbollah.
The IDF said it had expanded operations against Hezbollah targets north of the Litani River and in other areas of southern Lebanon. The military has also issued a series of evacuation warnings for villages located north of the river.
In addition to the seizure of Beaufort Castle, Israeli forces said they had carried out strikes on what they described as Hezbollah weapons storage facilities and command centres in the coastal Tyre region and other parts of southern Lebanon.
The escalating conflict has raised concerns over regional stability and could complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran, with Tehran reportedly insisting that any future agreement include a ceasefire in Lebanon. Reports also indicated that US President Donald Trump recently expressed support for Israel’s freedom of action against perceived threats, including those originating from Lebanon.