Israeli army announces control of strategic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The Israeli military on Sunday announced that it had taken control of the strategic mountain position of Beaufort Castle (Qalaat al-Shaqif) in southern Lebanon.
Former Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee posted a photo on X showing Israeli troops operating outside the fortress.
The capture of Beaufort Castle, located near the city of Nabatieh, comes after days of intense fighting and airstrikes on nearby villages, as Israeli forces continue operations targeting members of Hezbollah in the area.
Israeli forces previously maintained control of Beaufort Castle for 18 years before withdrawing from Lebanon in 2000.
In a statement, the Israeli military said it had launched an operation several days earlier in the Beaufort Heights and Wadi al-Salouqi area in southern Lebanon with the objective of dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure and eliminating what it described as direct threats to Israeli civilians.
The military added that it is prepared to expand the operation if circumstances require.
Israeli forces are now positioned approximately five kilometers from the major southern Lebanese city of Nabatieh, according to the statement.