The Israeli military announced on Sunday that its ground forces have captured the strategic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, marking the deepest incursion into Lebanese territory in over 26 years .
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that troops have crossed the Litani River and secured the Beaufort Ridge and Wadi al-Saluki areas. The last time the IDF maintained a presence at the castle was in May 2000, prior to Israel’s withdrawal from its self-declared security zone in southern Lebanon .
“The operation is aimed at dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure built under Iranian direction, establishing operational control of the area, and removing the direct threat to communities in the Galilee Panhandle and Metula,” the IDF said in a statement .
A Strategic and Symbolic Victory
Beaufort Castle, a Crusader-era fortress perched on a cliff overlooking the Litani River’s 90-degree bend, has long been regarded as one of the most strategically significant positions in the region. It provides a commanding view of southern Lebanon and northern Israel .
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz celebrated the capture, releasing images of the Israeli flag and the Golani Brigade’s banner flying above the fortress—a sight not seen since the turn of the millennium. The Golani Reconnaissance Unit originally captured the outpost from the PLO during the First Lebanon War in 1982 .
“The return of the Golani Brigade to the castle and the raising of the flag send a clear message regarding our commitment to the security of the northern residents,” Katz said .
Operation Expanding Northward
Military sources confirmed that the operation, which began several days ago, involves a significant number of ground forces from the Golani, Givati, and 7th Brigades. Before the ground troops moved in, the Israeli Air Force conducted “massive” airstrikes against Hezbollah positions, supported by artillery and tank fire .
The IDF is currently operating near the city of Nabatieh, a major Hezbollah stronghold, and has warned residents south of the Zahrani River—further north than previous evacuation orders—to leave the area immediately. The military stated it is “prepared and ready to expand the offensive as required” .
According to the IDF, the Hezbollah infrastructure in the Beaufort area was established with Iranian assistance. The military claims that hundreds of rockets were launched from this specific ridge toward Israeli communities and military positions in southern Lebanon .
Casualties and Reactions
The military confirmed that one Israeli soldier was killed on Saturday night after a Hezbollah explosive drone struck forces operating west of the Beaufort area .
In Lebanon, local authorities reported a deteriorating humanitarian situation. The Lebanese National News Agency reported that eight people were killed and twenty wounded in an airstrike on the town of Deir al-Zahrani, which the IDF alleges was used by Hezbollah .
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Israel of pursuing a “scorched-earth policy and collective punishment” in the south. The Israeli military has reiterated warnings to civilians to distance themselves from Hezbollah operatives and facilities .
This is a developing story.
