Israel Captures Beaufort Castle In Lebanon
Israeli troops have captured Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, marking their deepest ground incursion into the country in more than 26 years. The move came after days of airstrikes and fighting with Hezbollah militants in areas near Nabatieh.
Israel Captures Beaufort Castle
The Israeli military said its forces took control of the strategic mountain site topped by Beaufort Castle, a Crusader-era fortress overlooking parts of southern Lebanon and northern Israel. The castle, also known as Qalaat al-Shaqif, has long held military importance because of its elevated position.
The capture is being seen as both a tactical and symbolic development, as Israeli forces had used the site during their earlier occupation of southern Lebanon before withdrawing in 2000.
Lebanon Incursion Deepens Conflict
The operation has intensified concerns over a wider escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to contain the conflict. Fighting in the area reportedly followed several days of Israeli airstrikes and ground clashes in nearby villages.
Lebanese officials have accused Israel of expanding military operations and causing widespread destruction in the south. Israel has maintained that its actions are aimed at Hezbollah positions and cross-border threats.
Hezbollah Conflict Raises Regional Concerns
The capture of Beaufort Castle comes amid a fragile ceasefire environment and continued international pressure for restraint. France has called for urgent UN Security Council discussions, while the United States has continued efforts to keep negotiations between Israel and Lebanon moving.
The development has added another layer of uncertainty to the region, with fears that deeper Israeli advances inside Lebanon could further destabilise the border and complicate attempts to reach a lasting ceasefire.
