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Israel Occupies 'Crusader Fortress' Deep in Lebanon, 25 Years Since Last Advance

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Israeli forces have advanced into Lebanon, occupying the Beaufort Castle near Nabatieh, marking their deepest incursion in 25 years.
  • The military stated its goal is to eliminate direct threats to Israeli civilians.
  • Hezbollah has responded with intensified missile and drone attacks, complicating Israeli operations and prompting security measures along Israel's northern coast.

Israeli forces have penetrated deeper into Lebanese territory than at any point in the last 25 years, capturing Beaufort Castle near Nabatieh in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military announced the capture of the strategic Crusader-era fortress on Tuesday, with photos released via X showing soldiers patrolling the area. Beaufort Castle, overlooking significant parts of southern Lebanon and northern Israel, has historically been a focal point in the conflict between the two nations.

Our forces have advanced beyond the Litani River into strategic strongholds.

— Benjamin NetanyahuIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the military's advance into Lebanon during a visit to troops near the border.

Israel occupied the castle from 1982 until its withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000. This latest advance follows several days of intense fighting and airstrikes against Hezbollah positions in the region. The Israeli military stated that its objective is to remove direct threats to Israeli civilians. The operation has seen Israeli forces push beyond the Litani River, a de facto boundary, advancing to within approximately 5 kilometers of Nabatieh, a key southern Lebanese city.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently visited troops near the border, confirming their advance beyond the Litani River into strategic areas. Despite Israel's ground operations, Hezbollah has retaliated fiercely. Lebanese media reported that Hezbollah launched at least 100 missiles and drones into Israeli territory, employing drones that are difficult to detect to challenge Israeli defenses.

To remove direct threats to Israeli civilians.

— Israeli military spokespersonThe Israeli military stated its objective for expanding ground operations into Lebanon.

Hezbollah has also targeted Israeli settlements near the border, including an attack off the coast of Nahariya, a northern Israeli coastal city, which was broadcast on Israeli public television. In response, Israel has restricted public access to northern beaches and limited outdoor gatherings. Security sources cited by Israeli Channel 12 anticipate a further escalation in Hezbollah's attacks on Israeli territory.

Hezbollah's attacks on Israeli territory are expected to intensify.

— Israeli Channel 12 security sourceAn Israeli security source predicted an escalation in Hezbollah's cross-border attacks.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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