European Leaders Condemn Israel Lebanon Incursion
European leaders have condemned Israel’s expanding military operation inside Lebanon after Israeli forces captured the strategic Beaufort Castle in the country’s south. The latest development has raised concerns that the conflict with Hezbollah could widen further despite earlier ceasefire efforts.
European Leaders Condemn Israel Incursion
France, the United Kingdom and Germany have criticised Israel’s deepening incursion into southern Lebanon and called for restraint. French President Emmanuel Macron said the major escalation in south Lebanon was not justified, while France’s foreign minister sought an urgent UN Security Council meeting.
The UK and Germany also urged respect for the ceasefire framework, warning that further military expansion could worsen instability along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Israel Captures Beaufort Castle In Lebanon
The criticism came after Israeli forces captured Beaufort Castle, also known as Qalaat al-Shaqif, a medieval fortress with strategic views across southern Lebanon and northern Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the operation as a major shift in the campaign against Hezbollah.
The castle has military and symbolic importance. Israeli forces had used the site during Israel’s earlier occupation of southern Lebanon, which ended in 2000.
Hezbollah Conflict Raises Ceasefire Concerns
Israel says its operations are aimed at Hezbollah positions after repeated rocket and drone attacks on northern Israel. Lebanese officials have accused Israel of carrying out large-scale destruction in southern towns and villages.
The conflict has displaced more than a million people in Lebanon and caused thousands of deaths since March. The latest Israeli advance has added pressure on ongoing diplomatic efforts, including US-led talks aimed at reducing regional tensions and preventing the Lebanon conflict from becoming a wider regional war.
