Israel Advances Deep into Lebanon, Captures 900-Year-Old Castle

The Israeli army announced Friday it has taken control of the 900-year-old Beaufort Castle and the strategic mountain range surrounding it in southern Lebanon. This advance represents the deepest penetration into Lebanese territory by Israel in 26 years and a significant development in its ongoing campaign against the Iran-backed Hezbollah armed group.

The move follows a recent surge in Hezbollah rocket fire into northern Israel, which prompted local authorities to close schools and impose movement restrictions. The Israeli military stated its objective was to establish control over the Beaufort mountain range and the Wadi al-Saluki valley, aiming to degrade Hezbollah's militia forces and infrastructure in the area.

Control of the ancient castle and the strategic heights offers Israel a comprehensive vantage point over much of southern Lebanon and northern Israel. This tactical gain further solidifies Israel's military presence within Lebanese territory, intensifying the ongoing conflict along the border.

The Israel-Hezbollah front remains highly active, even as a parallel ceasefire is being maintained amidst the broader conflict with Iran. Hezbollah officially entered the fray on March 2, launching missiles and drones into Israel shortly after the US-Iran conflict erupted, prompting Israel's operation to push the group away from its northern border.

Israeli military officials emphasized that Hezbollah has launched numerous attacks from the Beaufort mountain range, targeting Israeli civilians and soldiers. Israeli soldiers are currently dismantling missile launch systems in the area and operating near Nabatieh, a key Hezbollah stronghold in southern Lebanon.