The Israeli military has captured Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, a strategic site overlooking the Litani valley, in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called a “decisive shift” in the campaign against Hezbollah.
Ground forces are advancing beyond the Litani river, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) ordering residents to evacuate areas south of the Zahrani river for the second time in recent days, BBC reports.
“Anyone present near Hezbollah elements, facilities or means of combat endangers their life,” an IDF spokesman said, noting a “significant number” of troops were involved as operations expand.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Israel of “scorched‑earth policy and collective punishment” in a televised address. The Health Ministry reported 13 hospital staff injured in an airstrike near Hiram hospital in Tyre.
The UK, France and Germany condemned the escalation. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said Israel’s actions “must end,” warning of civilian casualties and destroyed infrastructure.
She urged Hezbollah to halt attacks and disarm. French President Emmanuel Macron called the situation “urgent,” demanding all weapons fall silent, while Foreign Minister Jean‑Noël Barrot described Israel’s advance as a “major mistake.”
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the offensive was a “cause for serious concern” that risked new waves of displacement.
Netanyahu said Israel was “operating on all fronts — in Syria, in Gaza, in Lebanon,” aiming to “deepen and expand our grip on places under Hezbollah’s control.”
Defence Minister Israel Katz recalled the Golani Brigade’s capture of the castle 44 years ago during the First Lebanon War, noting the unit had returned to raise Israel’s flag again.
Beaufort Castle, built by Crusaders 900 years ago and located 14.5km from Israel’s border, was held by Israeli forces from 1982 until their withdrawal in 2000. Its seizure is seen as both symbolic and strategic, with Katz saying control of the ridge helps protect northern Israeli communities.
The IDF said the intensified campaign responds to Hezbollah’s increased drone and missile attacks. On Saturday, Hezbollah fired 25 projectiles across the border, prompting opposition politicians in Israel to demand stronger protection for residents.
Schools in northern Israel were closed Sunday as precaution, while the military confirmed another soldier killed in fighting.
