Israeli forces capture Beaufort Castle in Lebanon after 26 years

Israeli military has captured the strategic Beaufort Castle site in southern Lebanon. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said the site was taken after troops entered the Beaufort Ridge and Wadi al-Saluki areas. It added that the operation aims to establish operational control over the region and degrade Hezbollah’s capabilities. As per reports, 26 years after the last Israeli soldier left Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, the Israeli Defense Forces have returned and conquered it once again.

The IDF publishes additional footage of IDF troops of the Golani Brigade capturing the Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon. pic.twitter.com/EDHl9xLLQs

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli forces captured Beaufort Castle, raised the Israeli flag and the flag of the Golani Brigade at the site. He described the development as a dramatic stage and a significant shift in government policy. Netanyahu said he has instructed the IDF to expand its incursion into Lebanon. He added that the objective is to deepen and expand our grip on areas previously under Hezbollah control. 
Meanwhile, Israel has expanded evacuation warnings in southern Lebanon, urging residents to leave areas south of the Zahrani River. It is the second such warning in recent days covering large parts of the south. Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Israel of pursuing a scorched-earth policy and collective punishment in southern Lebanon. Lebanese authorities said, more than 3,300 people have been killed since early March this year.