Netanyahu calls Beaufort capture a ‘dramatic shift’ as Israel escalates Lebanon war

Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that the capture of the medieval Beaufort castle in southern Lebanon marks a “dramatic shift” in Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah.

He said Israeli forces would deepen and expand their control in areas previously held by the group.

Strategic stronghold taken during ground expansion

The Israeli military announced it had taken control of Beaufort, also known as Qalaat al-Chakif, a historic fortress that overlooks large parts of southern Lebanon. Defence Minister Israel Katz said the site has been used as a strategic position during Israel’s earlier occupation of the region.

Israeli forces reportedly raised the national flag over the castle as part of their expanded ground operations in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah said it targeted Israeli military positions and infrastructure in Shlomi and Nahariya in northern Israel. Air raid sirens were also reported in parts of the Acre region as tensions escalated along the border.

Although a truce was announced earlier, both Israel and Hezbollah continue to accuse each other of violations. The ceasefire, which began in April, has not been effectively implemented, with both sides carrying out regular strikes and counterstrikes.

Civilian displacement and rising casualties

In southern Lebanon, displaced civilians described growing fear and destruction. Many residents said they are unable to return home due to widespread damage in affected areas.

Lebanon’s health ministry reported injuries in an Israeli strike near a hospital in Tyre, while local media described heavy bombardment and emergency response activity.

France has called for an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting, expressing concern over Israel’s expanding military presence in southern Lebanon. French officials said the situation reflects a deepening occupation and rising regional instability.

The Israeli military said one soldier was killed in a Hezbollah drone attack, bringing its reported military fatalities in Lebanon to 25 since March. Lebanese authorities, meanwhile, said Israeli strikes have killed more than 3,000 people since the escalation began.
(With AFP inputs)