ERUSALEM, May 31, 2026 — Israeli troops have seized the historic Beaufort Castle and its surrounding strategic ridge in southern Lebanon, marking one of the most significant advances against the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement since fighting resumed earlier this year, according to the Israeli military.
The capture of the 900-year-old fortress came after several days of intense combat and airstrikes in the rugged terrain near the Lebanese city of Nabatiyeh. Military officials said the operation focused on securing the Beaufort Ridge and the Wadi al-Saluki area, which Israel claims Hezbollah had used to launch attacks against Israeli military positions and civilian communities in northern Israel.
The development represents Israel’s deepest ground incursion into Lebanon in more than 26 years and comes despite a ceasefire that was announced in mid-April. The truce has been repeatedly tested by continued exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters.
Israeli officials said the operation followed one of the heaviest days of Hezbollah rocket and drone attacks on northern Israel since the ceasefire took effect, prompting school closures and emergency restrictions in several communities near the border.
Perched atop a commanding hill overlooking large portions of southern Lebanon and northern Israel, Beaufort Castle is considered a highly strategic military position. Israeli military officials argue that controlling the site provides valuable surveillance capabilities and limits Hezbollah’s ability to operate in the area.
The fortress, originally built during the Crusader era in the 12th century, has long been associated with regional conflicts due to its commanding location. It was previously occupied by Israeli forces during Israel’s presence in southern Lebanon from 1982 until 2000.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered military forces to continue advancing deeper into southern Lebanon, signaling that operations against Hezbollah are likely to continue despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring the ceasefire. New rounds of U.S.-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon are expected to take place in Washington in the coming days.
Lebanese officials have condemned the operation, warning that the continued advance risks further destabilizing the region and undermining efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire.
The broader conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties and the displacement of more than one million people in Lebanon since fighting escalated in March, making it one of the most serious confrontations between Israel and Hezbollah in decades.