Israeli forces seize Beaufort Castle in deepest Lebanon incursion in 26 years
Israeli forces have seized Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, marking their deepest incursion into the country in 26 years and a dramatic escalation in the offensive against Hezbollah. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the capture of the 900-year-old Crusader fortress—known locally as Qalaat al-Shaqif—as a "dramatic shift" in Israel’s military campaign, declaring all territory between the Litani and Zaharani rivers a conflict zone. The Israeli military has raised its flag over the strategic hilltop position, which overlooks large swathes of southern Lebanon and the western Bekaa Valley, providing a commanding vantage point for potential operations against Nabatieh, a key economic and cultural hub.
The advance, which saw Israeli troops cross the Litani River—previously a de facto boundary—has triggered new evacuation orders for Lebanese civilians in surrounding towns and villages. Defence Minister Israel Katz described the operation as a "significant tactical victory," while Hebrew media reports indicate the military has constructed bridges over the Litani to facilitate deeper ground operations. The death toll in the conflict has surpassed 3,300, despite a fragile ceasefire that now appears in tatters.
France has condemned the seizure, demanding an emergency UN Security Council meeting to address the escalation. The move revives memories of Israel’s 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon, during which Beaufort Castle served as a key military outpost. Analysts suggest the fortress’s capture could signal preparations for a broader offensive, with Israeli forces now positioned to encircle Nabatieh or project power into the Bekaa Valley. The operation coincides with stalled diplomatic efforts, including upcoming talks in the U.S., further complicating prospects for de-escalation.
Israeli forces seize Beaufort Castle in deepest Lebanon incursion in 26 years
- euronews
- france24
Articles
Israel retakes Beaufort castle in Lebanon, Paris issues harsh condemnation Israeli forces push deeper into Lebanon and raise their flag over Beaufort Castle, a strategic fortress. France condemns the move and demands a UN Security Council meeting.
euronews · 7 days ago
Israel seizes strategic Beaufort Castle in Lebanon, issues new evacuation orders Israeli troops have captured Beaufort castle in Lebanon, built in Crusader times – and a symbol of Israels advancement deeper into Lebanese territory. Israeli forces have used it as a base during its two decade occupation of Lebanon. Israel has called on Lebanese civilians to evacuate yet more towns and villages in the south, as it pushes forward, saying it is fighting Hezbollah. Details by FRANCE 24 correspondent in Jerusalem, Noga Tarnopolsky.
france24 · 7 days ago
What is Lebanons Beaufort Castle, and why have Israeli forces captured it? The Israeli army has taken control of Beaufort castle in Southern Lebanon, crossing over the Litani river, which they had been using as a de facto boundary. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the operation a "dramatic shift" in the Israeli offensive in Lebanon. The Israeli army now has declared all land between the Litani and Zaharani River a conflict zone. Details by Caroline Baum.
france24 · 7 days ago
Israel seizes Beaufort Castle in deepest Lebanon advance in 26 years Israeli forces have captured Beaufort Castle, the ancient Crusader fortress that dominates the ridge above the Litani River in southern Lebanon, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders expanded operations into northern Lebanon.
intellinews · 7 days ago
Middle East crisis: Netanyahu hails capture of castle in Lebanon as nominal ceasefire left in tatters – as it happened Israeli offensive marks deepest incursion into country in 26 years and comes shortly before talks due to be held in the USIsraeli troops capture strategic Beaufort Castle as they push deeper into LebanonBy capturing Beaufort castle and pushing past the Litani river, Israeli forces appear to be positioning themselves for a potential encirclement of Nabatieh, a city that serves as an economic centre and a cultural heartland for southern Lebanon, Lorenzo Tondo writes.Control of the surrounding hills would provide commanding views over large parts of southern Lebanon and the western Bekaa valley, offering a significant tactical advantage. Continue reading...
theguardian · 7 days ago
Israeli military pushes deeper into Lebanon past Litani River Hebrew media reports say the Israeli military has constructed bridges over the Litani River to expand ground operations deeper into Lebanese territory, as the death toll from the conflict surpasses 3,300 despite a fragile ceasefire.
yenisafak · 7 days ago
France seeks emergency UN meeting after Israeli advance in Lebanon France has sought an emergency UN Security Council meeting after Israeli forces seized Beaufort castle in southern Lebanon, with Netanyahu vowing to push deeper against Hezbollah.
intellinews · 7 days ago
Israel captures strategic fortress during advance in southern Lebanon
news.yahoo.com · 7 days ago