In a significant escalation of cross-border hostilities, Israeli forces have seized a medieval castle in southern Lebanon, expanding their ground offensive beyond the border buffer zone. The operation, confirmed by Israeli military spokesmen early this morning, marks the deepest incursion into Lebanese territory since the 2006 war.
The captured fortress, known as Qalaat al-Shaqif or Beaufort Castle, sits on a strategic hilltop overlooking the Litani River valley. Its position offers commanding views of both southern Lebanon and northern Israel. Israeli forces entered the site after heavy exchanges of fire with Hezbollah fighters, who had used the castle as an observation post.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the seizure as a necessary measure to secure the northern border. "We will not tolerate threats to our civilians. Every stronghold used by Hezbollah will be dismantled," he said in a televised statement.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) expressed alarm at the development. A spokesperson called for an immediate de-escalation and warned that the operation violates UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 conflict. The resolution mandated the disarmament of all militias in southern Lebanon and prohibited military forces other than the Lebanese army and UNIFIL south of the Litani.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the incursion as a violation of sovereignty and called for an emergency meeting of the Arab League. "This is a dangerous and unjustified escalation that threatens the entire region," he said.
Analysts view the capture of Beaufort Castle as a symbolic as well as strategic move. The castle was a symbol of resistance during the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon from 1982 to 2000 and was a site of fierce battles between Israeli forces and Hezbollah predecessors. Its recapture carries deep emotional and political weight.
The ground offensive, which began late last week, has seen Israeli tanks and infantry push several kilometres into Lebanese territory. Israeli officials said the operation is limited in scope and aims to destroy launch sites for recent rocket attacks on northern Israel. Hezbollah has fired hundreds of rockets since the conflict escalated last month.
Hezbollah's deputy leader, Sheikh Naim Qassem, vowed retaliation. "The enemy will pay a heavy price for this aggression. Our fighters are ready and our capabilities are beyond their imagination," he said in a recorded message.
International reaction has been swift. The United States, a key ally of Israel, called for restraint but acknowledged Israel's right to self-defence. The European Union condemned the incursion and urged an immediate ceasefire. France, which has historical ties to Lebanon, proposed a resolution at the UN Security Council demanding the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
The situation remains highly volatile. The Israeli military reported clashes with Hezbollah fighters in several border villages and said it had struck dozens of targets in southern Lebanon. Civilian casualties on both sides have been reported, though exact numbers are unconfirmed.
Beaufort Castle, a Crusader-era fortress renovated in the 12th century, now stands as a flashpoint in a conflict with no clear end in sight.
