Israel Captures Beaufort Castle in Lebanon as Ceasefire Collapses Completely
Israel’s military (IDF) has successfully captured the strategic Beaufort Castle site in southern Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the achievement as a ‘decisive turning point’ in their military offensive against Hezbollah.
Occupying the 900-year-old fortress marks Israeli ground forces advancing deeper into Lebanon, beyond the initial border at the Litani River. Simultaneously, the IDF has expanded forced evacuation zones for civilians in southern Lebanon down to the Zahrani River.
In a statement on Sunday (31 May), Netanyahu stressed the castle’s capture is a critical phase in Israel’s military strategy. ‘We have broken the wall of fear. We are taking the initiative, operating on all fronts — in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon,’ he said, adding the goal is to ‘deepen and expand our grip in areas under Hezbollah’s control.’
Defence Minister Israel Katz added that securing the fortress and surrounding hills is vital for protecting Israeli border communities. Beaufort Castle holds strong symbolic value; Israel occupied it during the First Lebanon War in 1982 before withdrawing in 2000.
In response to escalating aggression, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam delivered a televised address condemning Israel’s actions. Salam accused Israel of implementing ‘scorched-earth policies and collective punishment’ in southern Lebanon.
The situation has sparked international concern. France has called an emergency UN Security Council meeting. President Emmanuel Macron stated on social media platform X that weapons must be de-escalated immediately, as nothing justifies this major escalation. Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warned Israel’s incursion could trigger a new mass refugee crisis.
The latest tensions were triggered by mutual accusations of ceasefire violations, despite the temporary truce having been extended twice since last month. With the situation on the ground worsening, the ceasefire agreement is now deemed completely collapsed.
The open conflict began on 2 March, when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in retaliation for an Israeli strike that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. To date, Lebanese authorities report over 3,300 deaths, while 25 Israeli soldiers have been killed. (BBC/Z-2)
Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed Israeli forces have crossed the Litani River in Lebanon amid security talks between military delegations in Washington.
UNICEF reported 15 children killed and 62 injured in Lebanon over the past seven days due to ceasefire violations between Israel and Hezbollah.
Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed 12 people, including two children and a soldier, amid rising tensions in the Tyre and Sidon regions.
US-Iran tensions have escalated. Donald Trump threatened to continue military action if Tehran rejects a draft Middle East peace deal.
Hezbollah launched 15 explosive drones at Israel. Netanyahu called it a major threat, with Israeli military accelerating European defence system procurement.
Recent satellite analysis revealed the failure of US and Israeli bombing strategies. Iran successfully dismantled its underground missile base using only basic heavy machinery.
The United Nations (UN) condemned on Friday Israel’s plan to expand control in Gaza to 70% of the territory.
Israel has officially severed ties with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres after the UN added Israel to a blacklist for sexual violence in conflict zones.
The UN and UNICEF warned Netanyahu’s plan to extend control over 70% of Gaza would worsen health crises and children’s suffering.