At Beaufort Castle, the IDF's 36th Division prepares for Hezbollah's next move

Beaufort Castle, a Crusader-era fortification built around 1140, now flies the banners of the Israeli military's 36th Division. The division recaptured the strategic high ground near the Litani River in southern Lebanon on May 31, 2026, during ground maneuvers toward Nabatiya. This marks the castle's return to Israeli control after it passed to Hezbollah following Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000.

The castle has a storied past, having been conquered by Saladin in 1189 and changing hands numerous times. Following Lebanon's civil war, the Palestine Liberation Organization captured it in 1976. In 1982, during Operation Peace for Galilee, the Golani Brigade successfully retook the castle after a difficult battle, though its commander was killed.

During a recent visit to the castle, commanders of the 36th Division spoke with The Jerusalem Post. They also revealed a large, Iranian-built Hezbollah tunnel near Yohmor al-Shaqif, adjacent to the castle along the Litani River gorge. Evidence of depopulation in Shia villages surrounding the castle was apparent, with areas like Taybeh, once a Hezbollah stronghold, now appearing in ruins.

The IDF's strategy appears to be based on Mao Zedong's analogy of guerrillas being fish swimming in the water of a supportive population. By seeking to empty Israeli-held areas in southern Lebanon of the Shia population since Hezbollah rejoined Iran's war against Israel on March 1, the IDF aims to remove the support base for Hezbollah fighters. The division commander, Brig.-Gen. Yiftach Norkin, detailed the division's progress, noting the roles of various brigades in securing the ridge and crossing the Litani River. Forces are currently clearing the tunnel system, though a ceasefire halted the complete removal of Hezbollah infrastructure.

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Golani took the Beaufort, the Givati Brigade was the first to cross the Litani, the 7th Brigade secured the western area and the Saluki.