Israeli Troops Capture Strategic Castle in Lebanon
Israeli forces have taken control of a crucial mountain with a Crusader-built castle in southern Lebanon, marking the farthest penetration into the country in over 25 years. On Sunday, the Israeli military reported the capture of Beaufort Castle, located near Nabatiyeh, after a series of airstrikes and heavy battles with Hezbollah fighters in the nearby villages. This capture signifies a significant development in the ongoing conflict, which began on March 2 following Hezbollah’s rocket attacks into northern Israel in retaliation for a U.S. and Israeli strike on Iran, Hezbollah’s primary supporter.
Since then, Israel has launched a ground invasion, securing numerous towns and villages close to the border. Hezbollah has responded by launching thousands of missiles and drones against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon and northern Israel. The Israeli advancement has persisted amidst a nominal ceasefire in place since April 17, and days before direct talks between Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to occur at the U.S. State Department on June 2 and 3.
A Historic and Strategic Fortress
The Israeli military’s Arabic spokesman, Avichay Adraee, shared an image of Israeli troops outside the castle. Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the Israeli flag now flies over Beaufort Castle. Israel previously controlled the castle from 1982 until their withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000.
The Beaufort fortress, sitting high above Lebanon’s green hills and overlooking the Litani River, has been a vital military point for almost a millennium. Built in the 12th century, it has served various forces including the Crusaders, Saladin’s forces, Mamluks, Ottomans, the French mandate, the Palestine Liberation Organization, and the Israeli military until 2000. It was then partially restored and opened for visitors. The name Beaufort derives from Old French, meaning “beautiful fortress.”
When the Israeli military seized the castle in 1982 from the Palestine Liberation Organization, it was regarded as a significant victory under then Defense Minister Ariel Sharon, who later became Prime Minister. During the 2024 Israel-Hezbollah conflict, UNESCO granted enhanced protection to 34 cultural sites in Lebanon, including Beaufort Castle, to safeguard it from damage. Located a few kilometers north of the Israeli border, the fortress has strategic views over southern Lebanon and northern Israel. Known as Al-Shaqif Castle in Arabic, the name refers to the formidable rocky terrain in the area.
According to an Israeli military statement, a recent operation in the Beaufort Ridge and Suluki Valley aimed to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure and eliminate direct threats to Israeli civilians. The military is prepared to expand the operation if necessary. Beaufort holds symbolic significance in the region, particularly in Israel, where it was prominent during Israel’s 18-year occupation. The Israeli film “Beaufort” reflects on the moral dilemmas and futility of war, focusing on the days leading up to the military’s withdrawal.
Israel’s Expanding Operations
Recently, Israel has broadened its operations in Lebanon, deploying troops beyond the Litani River, which has served as a de-facto boundary, and urging residents to evacuate much of southern Lebanon. The area from the Litani River to the Zahrani River has been declared a combat zone. While some locals have fled due to recent attacks, many remain in their towns.
Israeli troops have been advancing near Beaufort Castle, now approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) from Nabatiyeh, a significant center in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military has advised residents of Nabatiyeh and the coastal city of Tyre, Lebanon’s fourth largest city, to evacuate. Hezbollah and the Lebanese government have not commented on the Israeli advance.
Continued Cross-Border Conflict
Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for recent attacks targeting Israeli forces and a Merkava tank near Bayada, close to the border. The group has also reported clashes with Israeli troops in various towns near Nabatiyeh and the castle. Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported airstrikes in southern villages, resulting in casualties without specific numbers.
Hezbollah recently launched rockets at Kiryat Shmona in northern Israel. The group’s use of hard-to-detect drones has presented challenges for the Israeli military, which has encountered nearly 200 alerts for missile and drone threats in the past 24 hours.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in the loss of 3,350 lives in Lebanon and displaced over 1 million people. In Israel, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, 25 soldiers and a defense contractor have died in or near southern Lebanon, along with two civilians in northern Israel.
Reporter Lidman contributed to this article from Tel Aviv, Israel.