Israel Expands Lebanon Offensive and Seizes Beaufort Castle

Israeli forces have seized the 900-year-old Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, marking the deepest military incursion into the country in more than 26 years. The operation, which concluded on Sunday, saw troops gain control of the strategic ridge where the Crusader-era fortification is situated. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the maneuver, stating, “We returned stronger than ever,” as he addressed the military’s progress. The capture of the site is part of a broader, intensified ground offensive that has seen the Israeli military push further into Lebanese territory. In conjunction with the ground operations, the Israeli military has expanded its reach, with Netanyahu ordering forces to move deeper into Lebanon to target Hezbollah positions. The ongoing campaign has been accompanied by sustained aerial activity. Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that Israeli warplanes conducted multiple airstrikes across villages in the south on Sunday, resulting in casualties. The agency specifically noted that an airstrike destroyed the 12-story Harb residential building in the Al-Bayad neighborhood of Nabatiyeh. The military confirmed the seizure of the castle and its surrounding high ground via an official release, emphasizing the tactical significance of the position. The move represents a notable escalation in the conflict, with the military’s presence in the area reaching a depth not seen since the early 2000s. As the ground offensive continues, the Israeli government has indicated its intent to maintain and potentially expand its operational grip in the region. The military remains engaged in active combat operations in southern Lebanon, with no immediate indication of a ceasefire or a withdrawal from the newly captured strategic positions.