Israeli Forces Seize Historic Beaufort Castle in Southern Lebanon

The fortress, also known as Qalaat al-Shakif, overlooks the Litani River and commands views of the Galilee Panhandle in northern Israel and the Nabatieh area in southern Lebanon. It has stood for nearly 1,000 years and has been used by Saladin’s forces, the Mamluks, Ottomans, the French mandate, and the Palestine Liberation Organisation.

Israeli forces held the site from 1982 until their withdrawal in 2000.

The capture marks Israel’s farthest incursion into Lebanon in 26 years. Israeli forces have captured dozens of villages and towns near the border since the current round of fighting began on March 2. Hezbollah has fired thousands of missiles and drones into northern Israel and at Israeli troops in southern Lebanon.

Israeli forces have designated territory between the Litani and Zahrani rivers a combat zone and ordered residents to leave parts of the area, including near Nabatiyeh and the city of Tyre. An IDF spokesman said anyone present near Hezbollah elements endangers their life. The castle appears to have been shelled before the final ground assault.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the occupation of Beaufort marked a shift in policy and cited the deaths of 3,000 Hezbollah fighters since March. Hezbollah has not released casualty figures. Lebanese health officials reported more than 3,180 Lebanese killed and more than 9,000 wounded since early March.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called for an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting and described the operations as unacceptable. The advance came despite a ceasefire declared on April 17 and days before scheduled direct talks between Lebanon and Israel in Washington starting Tuesday. Footage from Sunday morning showed Israeli and IDF flags flying over the citadel.

Shelling was audible and smoke rose from the surrounding area. Israeli officials said the site would be held while forces work to destroy additional structures used by Hezbollah.