Israeli forces have captured Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, marking their deepest incursion into the country in 26 years. The move represents a major escalation in the Israel-Hezbollah war, with the fortress now under Israeli control despite a nominal ceasefire and mounting international concern.

Israeli troops seized the strategic mountain-top fortress near Nabatiyeh after several days of airstrikes and heavy fighting in surrounding villages against Hezbollah militants.

The capture is seen as a significant advance in the conflict that began on 2 March, when Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.

Since then, Israel has conducted a ground invasion, taking dozens of villages and towns near the border, while Hezbollah has retaliated with thousands of missiles and drones targeting Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon and northern Israel.

The timing of the operation is notable, as it comes just days before Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to hold direct talks in Washington. Despite the ceasefire announced on 17 April, Israeli forces have pressed forward, raising questions about the durability of diplomatic efforts.

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a close ally of Hezbollah, pledged the group’s full commitment to the ceasefire but questioned who would compel Israel to halt its military actions.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned the Israeli operation, calling it “unacceptable” and urging an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council. Diplomats indicated that the council could convene on 1 June to address the situation.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reportedly spoken with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, proposing a framework in which Hezbollah would halt attacks and Israel would refrain from escalating operations in Beirut.

The Israeli military’s spokesperson Avichay Adraee shared images of troops outside Beaufort Castle, while Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that the Israeli flag had been raised over the fortress.

Katz described the capture as a symbolic return, noting that Israel had previously held the castle from 1982 until its withdrawal in 2000. He stated that Israel intends to retain control of the site while dismantling Hezbollah’s infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

Beaufort Castle, known in Arabic as Al-Shaqif, has long been a strategic stronghold. Built by Crusaders in the 12th century, it has served successive rulers including Saladin’s forces, the Mamluks, Ottomans, French mandate authorities, the Palestine Liberation Organization, and Israel itself.

Its commanding position overlooking the Litani River and southern Lebanon makes it a valuable military asset. UNESCO granted the site enhanced protection in 2024 to safeguard it during conflicts, highlighting its cultural significance.

Israel’s advance has extended beyond the Litani River, previously a de facto boundary, with the military designating the area up to the Zahrani River as a combat zone. Residents of Nabatiyeh, Tyre, and surrounding areas have been urged to evacuate amid intensified strikes.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu described the occupation of Beaufort as a “dramatic shift” in policy, citing the establishment of security zones in Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza. He claimed that Israel has killed 3,000 Hezbollah fighters since the war began, though Hezbollah has not disclosed its losses.

The capture of Beaufort Castle underscores Israel’s determination to expand its military presence in Lebanon, raising the risk of further escalation and international involvement. The fortress, both a cultural landmark and a strategic military site, now stands at the centre of a conflict that threatens to destabilise the wider region.

AP