Israeli forces have captured the strategic Beaufort Fortress in southern Lebanon, their deepest incursion into the country in more than 26 years and a major territorial gain since the latest conflict with Hezbollah began in March.The Crusader-era castle, located on a mountain range near the southern Lebanese city of Nabatieh, fell after days of intense fighting and air strikes in nearby villages as Israeli forces clashed with Hezbollah fighters.
The Israeli army said that the operation began several days ago in the Beaufort Ridge and Wadi Suluki areas to dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure and eliminate what it described as “direct threats to Israeli civilians.”The statement added that the army is ready to “expand the operation if necessary.”Pictures published by the Israeli army showed forces outside the historic citadel, which Israel had previously occupied during its military presence in southern Lebanon from 1982 until its withdrawal in 2000.This progress comes despite a ceasefire that has been in effect since April 17. Israeli forces reportedly crossed the Litani River and advanced to a distance of about five kilometers from Nabatieh, one of the largest cities in southern Lebanon.
There was no immediate response from Hezbollah or the Lebanese government regarding the latest Israeli advance.The seizure of Beaufort Castle comes as Israel and Lebanon continue direct talks in Washington, while tensions remain high along the border.The latest war between Israel and Hezbollah began on March 2, when Hezbollah fired missiles into northern Israel two days after the United States and Israel attacked Iran, Hezbollah’s main backer.Since then, Israel has expanded its military campaign in Lebanon, seizing dozens of villages and towns near the border.According to reports, the conflict has killed more than 3,350 people in Lebanon and displaced more than a million others.