Israel Captures Beaufort Castle in Deepest Lebanon Push

The Israeli military announced on Sunday that its forces have taken control of Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon. This marks Israel’s deepest land advancement into Lebanon in nearly three decades, amidst escalating clashes with Hezbollah.

“Our soldiers are writing a new chapter by planting their flag at Beaufort Castle,” said Col Avichay Adraee, the Israeli military’s Arabic-language spokesperson. He described the fortress linked to Hezbollah as having “crumbled,” sharing pictures of soldiers amid the castle ruins.

بين وعود الشعارات وحقيقة الميدان.. هنا الخبر اليقين. جنودنا يكتبون بوقفتهم على قلعة الشقيف فصلاً جديدًا من العزة 🇮🇱🇮🇱

لا يبنى المجد بالخطابات، بل بوقع خطى الجنود. السيطرة على قلعةالشقيف ليست مجرد إنجاز عسكري، بل هي تحطيم جديد لرمزية غرور حزب الله الارهابي الذي هددنا بالوهن… pic.twitter.com/WCSlyLaZES

— افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) May 31, 2026

Later that day, air raid sirens were reportedly heard as far south as Acre port city. The military confirmed intercepting projectiles fired from Lebanon while others landed in open areas.

Israel has been globally criticized for its military actions in southern Lebanon. Warnings have been raised about civilian displacement and potential regional spillover.

Diplomats are urging both sides to exercise restraint and return to ceasefire agreements, as further escalation could destabilize the Middle East.

A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, supported by the US, was announced last month but has largely failed to hold. Both parties have accused each other of violations. Since then, there have been daily exchanges of fire, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, Hezbollah rocket and drone attacks into northern Israel, and Israeli warnings prompting civilian evacuations.

On Sunday, the Israeli military warned residents south of the Zahrani River to evacuate immediately, citing Hezbollah’s alleged ceasefire violations. A military representative stated that operations against Hezbollah targets would be “forceful,” urging civilians to move further north for their safety.

Israel’s far-left Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, commented on the castle's capture, calling it a reminder of past “national mistakes.” He criticized Israel’s 2000 and 2005 withdrawals from Lebanon and Gaza, claiming these decisions strengthened Hezbollah and Hamas, advocating for “permanent territorial control.”

The military also reported the death of one Israeli soldier and the injury of four others during confrontations in southern Lebanon. Specific details about the incidents were not provided.

The capture of Beaufort Castle follows intense clashes in the area, with Israeli forces pushing north of their established positions near the Litani River amid persistent fire exchanges with Hezbollah.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the aggression in a televised speech on Saturday, accusing Israel of implementing a “scorched-earth” strategy in southern Lebanon. He called the conflict “dangerous and unprecedented” and demanded an immediate ceasefire.

Beaufort Castle, positioned atop a steep cliff, boasts significant strategic importance. It provides a commanding viewpoint over southern Lebanon and northern Israel, essential for monitoring surrounding valleys and controlling key movement routes.

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