Israeli army captures strategic castle in Lebanon in deepest incursion in 26 years

Beaufort Castle during incursion by the Israeli army disclosed by military spokesman Avichay Adraee
Reproduction/Social media
Israeli troops captured a strategic mountain crowned by a castle built during the Crusades, in southern Lebanon, in the deepest incursion into the country in more than a quarter of a century.
The seizure of Beaufort Castle, near the city of Nabatieh, occurred after days of intense fighting and air attacks on neighboring villages, where Israeli soldiers clashed with members of Hezbollah in the mountainous region.
The capture marks a significant gain for Israel since the start of the most recent war against Hezbollah in March, as the two countries - in a state of war since Israel's creation in 1948 - hold direct talks in Washington.
The Israeli advance came despite a nominal ceasefire in effect since April 17.
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Military spokesman Avichay Adraee published a photo on X showing Israeli troops walking around the castle. Israel had already taken Beaufort in 1982 and held it until its withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000.
According to a military statement, the operation was launched a few days ago in the Beaufort mountain range and the Suluki valley, further south, with the aim of dismantling Hezbollah's infrastructure and removing "direct threats against Israeli civilians." The army said it was ready "to expand the operation if necessary."
Troops advanced through nearby villages after crossing the Litani River, previously used as a de facto border. They are now about 5 km from Nabatieh, a major center in southern Lebanon.
There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah or the Lebanese government on the advance.
The current war began on March 2, when Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel two days after the US and Israel attacked its main ally, Iran. Since then, Israel has launched a ground invasion, capturing dozens of Lebanese villages and towns near the border.
The conflict has already left 3,350 dead in Lebanon and more than 1 million displaced.
Beaufort Castle during incursion by the Israeli army disclosed by military spokesman Avichay Adraee
Reproduction/Social Media

Source: G1