Catenaa, Thursday, June 04, 2026- Israeli forces captured the historic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon during their deepest military advance into Lebanese territory in decades, escalating tensions after intensified cross-border attacks involving Hezbollah rockets and drones.
The medieval fortress, overlooking the Litani River, was seized by Israeli troops after heavy shelling operations and a ground assault, according to regional reports and images released by the Israeli military.
Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee posted photographs showing Israeli soldiers inside the UNESCO-recognized fortress complex while Israeli flags were raised above the site.
Beaufort Castle, known locally as Qalaat al-Shakif, has held strategic military importance for centuries because of its elevated position overlooking northern Israel and southern Lebanon.
The fortress dates back nearly 1,000 years and has historically been occupied by Crusader armies, Saladin’s forces, Ottoman rulers, Palestinian militants and Israeli troops during earlier conflicts in Lebanon.
Israeli forces last controlled the site during the 1982 Lebanon War, when Israeli troops advanced deep into Beirut.
The latest military operation followed intensified Hezbollah rocket and drone attacks targeting northern Israel over the weekend, forcing school closures and emergency responses across border regions.
The seizure marks a major escalation in the deteriorating Israel-Lebanon ceasefire environment, with fighting increasingly extending north of the Litani River.
Military analysts said the operation demonstrates Israel’s willingness to conduct deeper ground incursions if cross-border attacks continue escalating.
The renewed fighting also raises concerns about broader regional instability tied to tensions involving Iran, Hezbollah and ongoing diplomatic negotiations surrounding Tehran’s nuclear program.
Observers warned that expanding military operations in southern Lebanon could further weaken already fragile ceasefire efforts backed by the United States and regional mediators.
Israeli officials argued the military operation targeted Hezbollah infrastructure and combat positions threatening Israeli communities near the border.
Meanwhile, critics accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of intensifying regional military pressure amid sensitive negotiations involving Iran and broader Middle East security arrangements.
Lebanese officials and humanitarian groups also warned about rising civilian casualties and displacement as shelling and military operations expand across southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah and Israeli forces have exchanged sustained rocket, drone and artillery attacks for months following broader regional tensions linked to Gaza and Iran-backed armed groups.
Lebanese health authorities reported thousands of deaths and injuries since the escalation intensified earlier this year, though casualty figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
The Litani River has historically served as a major reference point in ceasefire agreements and military buffer discussions between Israel and Hezbollah forces.
