Israel seizes 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 major escalation in the offensive against Hezbollah. Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the capture of the 900-year-old fortress—known locally as Qalaat al-Shaqif—on Sunday, describing it as a "significant tactical victory" that positions Israeli troops beyond the Litani River for the first time since their withdrawal in 2000 .
The advance follows days of intense airstrikes and ground clashes in nearby villages, with Israeli troops now controlling the castle’s strategic ridge, which overlooks southern Lebanon and the western Bekaa Valley. Analysts warn the move could pave the way for an encirclement of Nabatieh, a key economic and cultural hub in the region . The castle, previously used as an Israeli military base during the 1982–2000 occupation, offers commanding views over Hezbollah strongholds.
Israeli officials signalled no intention to halt the offensive, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring the capture a "dramatic shift" in the campaign. "We have returned to Beaufort Castle united, determined, and stronger than ever," he said . Meanwhile, Lebanon’s government condemned the operation as a "scorched-earth policy," as Israel issued fresh displacement orders for civilians in the south .
The seizure of Beaufort Castle—located just 10 kilometres from the Israeli border—comes amid stalled ceasefire talks and rising tensions over Hezbollah’s cross-border attacks. Security analysts note the castle’s capture could disrupt supply lines between Hezbollah’s southern bases and its leadership in the Bekaa Valley, though the group has vowed to retaliate . The last time Israeli forces held the site, it served as a launchpad for operations against Hezbollah during the 18-year occupation.
Israel seizes Beaufort Castle in deepest Lebanon incursion in 26 years
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- politico.eu
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⚡️The Israeli army has reached Beaufort Castle in South Lebanon
telegram bot · 7 days ago
Middle East crisis live: Netanyahu says capture of strategic castle is dramatic shift in Israels Lebanon offensive Israeli PM says his forces have returned to Beaufort castle united, determined and stronger than everBy 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 troops capture strategic Beaufort Castle as they push deeper into Lebanon Defence minister announces seizure of fortress as advance against Hezbollah moves beyond Litani RiverMiddle East crisis – live updatesIsraeli troops have captured the 900-year-old Beaufort Castle and its strategic ridge in southern Lebanon in a significant advance against Hezbollah that took them beyond the Litani River – their deepest incursion into the country in more than 26 years.After days of intense fighting and airstrikes in nearby villages, the Israeli defence minister, Israel Katz, said the military had captured the fortress, also known as Qalaat al-Shaqif, which the Israel Defense Forces used as a base during their previous occupation of southern Lebanon between 1982 and 2000. Continue reading...
theguardian · 7 days ago
Israel issues more displacement orders in Lebanon, seizes strategic castle Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz describes the capture of Beaufort Castle as a significant tactical victory.
aljazeera · 7 days ago
Israel captures Crusader castle as war expands in southern Lebanon Israel says it will go even deeper into Lebanon to fight Hezbollah.
politico.eu · 7 days ago
Border Conflict Updates: Israeli Forces Capture Beaufort Castle in Southern Lebanon Amid Escalating Security Concerns Lebanon 2026 Southern Lebanon – May 31 – Brussels Morning Newspaper — Border conflict updates continue to dominate headlines across the Middle East as Israeli forces reportedly captured Beaufort Castle, one of the most strategically important locations in southern Lebanon. The development comes amid ongoing military operations targeting Hezbollah-linked infrastructure and positions near the border. Security analysts […]
brussels morning · 7 days ago
Middle East crisis live: Israeli army captures strategic castle in Lebanon in deepest incursion into country in 26 years Capture of Beaufort castle near the city of Nabatiyeh comes despite a nominal ceasefire and shortly before talks due in the USBy 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
Israel troops capture Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon push against Hezbollah reut.rs/4u4Xo4Q
bluesky bot · 7 days ago