Israel Plants Flag on Medieval Castle, Pushes Lebanon Ground Operation

Israeli Forces Raise Flag Over Beaufort Castle in Lebanon, Expand Ground Operations

Israel's flag was raised over the medieval Beaufort castle in southern Lebanon on Sunday as the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings for a broad area south of the Zahrani River ahead of expanded ground operations.

Shelling continued in the vicinity and smoke was visible from surrounding areas when the flag was observed above the castle, a site that Israeli troops had used as a base during their 1982-2000 presence in southern Lebanon. The fortress overlooks large portions of the region.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that forces had taken the position as part of widened operations. "Forty-four years after the heroic Battle of Beaufort, and on this day commemorating the soldiers who fell in the First Lebanon War, our troops have returned to the summit of Beaufort and once again raised the Israeli flag there," Katz posted on social media. He added that under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israel Defense Forces had crossed the Litani River and secured the Beaufort Ridge, describing it as a key point for protecting communities in northern Israel.

The military simultaneously directed civilians to leave zones south of the Zahrani River and north of the Litani, roughly 40 kilometres from the border, citing operations against Hezbollah. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee warned that presence near Hezbollah positions or facilities placed individuals at risk and that structures used for military purposes could be targeted.

The Israeli military reported that additional ground units had begun offensive actions to extend a forward defense line, with operations moving into further areas. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Saturday described Israeli actions in the south as a "scorched-earth policy and collective punishment," calling for an end to the fighting and stating that towns and villages were being destroyed and residents displaced.

Military delegations from Israel and Lebanon conducted security discussions in Washington on Friday, with additional U.S.-facilitated talks scheduled for the following week. Salam noted that results from the negotiations were uncertain but described them as the least costly option for Lebanon. A U.S. statement following the Friday meetings referred to the discussions as productive but did not reference the existing truce.

A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah took effect on April 17 but has not held. Both sides have accused the other of repeated violations and have conducted strikes in response. Hezbollah opposes the direct bilateral talks.

On Saturday, Hezbollah reported launching attacks on northern Israel and engaging Israeli troops near the towns of Zawtar al-Sharqiyah, Yohmor al-Shaqif, and Dibbine, claiming Israeli forces had not yet gained control of those locations. The Israeli military stated that more than 25 projectiles were fired from Lebanon into Israel that day, with air-raid sirens activated in Karmiel and Safed for the first time since the truce began. Footage showed rockets landing in the sea near Nahariya.

The Israeli army also confirmed that one soldier was killed on Saturday by a Hezbollah drone, bringing the total of Israeli military deaths in Lebanon since early March to 25. The Lebanese health ministry has reported that Israeli strikes have killed more than 3,371 people since March 2.

Both sides continue to exchange fire across the border while negotiations proceed.