Israeli military forces have taken control of the historic Beaufort Castle and surrounding strategic territory in southern Lebanon, marking a significant advancement in operations against the Iran-backed Hezbollah organization, military officials announced Sunday.
The military action took place more than six weeks following the declaration of a ceasefire in April, and came after Saturday witnessed some of the most intense Hezbollah attacks directed at northern Israel since the truce began, leading to school shutdowns and movement limitations.
Military officials stated the mission centered on gaining control over the Beaufort Ridge and Wadi al-Saluki region, while working to weaken Hezbollah forces and the infrastructure they built on the ridge under Iranian guidance.
The military confirmed that one Israeli soldier lost his life during the operation.
Neither Lebanese officials nor Hezbollah representatives provided immediate responses to the developments.
The seizure of the centuries-old fortress and ridge expands Israel’s presence in Lebanese territory as military confrontations between Israel and Hezbollah continue despite an ongoing ceasefire in the broader conflict with Iran.
Hezbollah joined the U.S.-Israeli conflict against Iran by launching rocket and drone attacks against Israel on March 2, shortly after the Iran conflict commenced. Israel subsequently began efforts to push the Iran-supported organization away from its northern border.
The takeover of Beaufort Castle provides Israeli forces with a commanding view across much of southern Lebanon and northern Israel, an area from which attacks have been directed toward Israeli communities.
According to military statements, Hezbollah “carried out numerous attacks” from the Ridge location, and Israeli forces are now working against launching facilities in the region, which served as the origin point for “hundreds of projectiles” fired “toward Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers.”
The military also reported that Israeli forces are conducting operations near Nabatieh, described as a significant Hezbollah stronghold in southern Lebanon.
