Israel Seizes Beaufort Castle, Expands Lebanon Ground Operations

Israeli forces captured the medieval Beaufort Castle and crossed the Litani River while issuing evacuation orders for areas south of the Zahrani River in southern Lebanon. The moves target Hezbollah positions and follow repeated ceasefire violations since the April 17 truce took effect.

The Israeli military stated that troops raised the national flag over the castle on Sunday after seizing the ridge, which overlooks much of southern Lebanon. Defense Minister Israel Katz said the capture restores control of a site used by Israeli forces from 1982 to 2000 and strengthens defenses for communities in northern Israel. The operation also reached the Wadi al-Saluki area and positions near Nabatieh.

Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee warned residents near Hezbollah facilities that any building used for military purposes could be targeted. The orders affect territory roughly 40 kilometers from the border. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam described the policy as scorched earth and collective punishment, urging an end to the fighting.

One Israeli soldier was killed by a Hezbollah drone on Saturday, bringing the total to 25 military deaths in Lebanon since early March, according to the Israeli army. The Lebanese health ministry reports that Israeli attacks have killed more than 3,371 people since March 2. Hezbollah said it launched attacks on northern Israeli positions including Shlomi and Nahariya and clashed with Israeli troops near Zawtar al-Sharqiyah, Yohmor al-Shaqif and Dibbine.

The Israeli military reported more than 25 projectiles fired from Lebanon on Saturday, with sirens sounding in Karmiel and Safed. Military delegations from Israel and Lebanon met in Washington on Friday; further U.S.-brokered talks are scheduled for next week. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called for a UN Security Council meeting and said the operations cannot be justified.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Beaufort capture marks a shift toward initiative on multiple fronts. Hezbollah opposes the direct talks. Both sides continue to accuse each other of breaching the nominal ceasefire.