Israel Captures 900-Year-Old Beaufort Castle in Southern Lebanon

Israeli forces operated on the Beaufort Ridge in southern Lebanon on Sunday, 31 May 2026. Israel has reportedly captured the 900-year-old Beaufort Castle and its strategic ridge. The military stated this is a major advance against Iran-backed Hezbollah despite a ceasefire announced over six weeks ago. Israeli and Golani Brigade flags were seen flying over the castle after its capture by Israeli forces. The seizure of the medieval castle and ridge has deepened Israel’s presence in Lebanon, as the Israel-Hezbollah military front remains active even while a parallel ceasefire is in effect for the wider Iran conflict. Hezbollah entered the US-Israel conflict with Iran by launching rockets and drones into Israel on 2 March, days after the Iran conflict began. Israel has since sought to expel the Iran-backed militia from its northern border. The capture of Beaufort Castle has given Israeli forces a vantage point over much of southern Lebanon and northern Israel, from where attacks have been launched towards Israeli civilian areas.