Israel Occupies Strategic Beaufort Castle in Southern Lebanon

Israeli forces have occupied Beaufort Castle, a strategically vital historical site in southern Lebanon, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict.

The castle, also known as Qalaat al-Chakif, served as a base for Israeli forces during their two-decade occupation of southern Lebanon, which concluded in 2000. Its recapture is significant as Israel seeks to expand its territorial control beyond the Litani River.

Perched on a high ridge overlooking southern Lebanon and northern Israel, the ancient fortress has a long history of changing hands. Built around 1137 by the King of Jerusalem, UNESCO describes it as "one of the best-preserved examples of medieval castles in the Middle East." The United Nations agency has now expressed concern for the safety of ancient monuments in southern Lebanon, including Beaufort Castle, amid intensifying hostilities.

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This is the first time Israel has occupied Beaufort Castle since its withdrawal in 2000.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Sunday that the capture of Beaufort Castle represents a "significant change" and vowed further advances into Lebanon. "This is the first time Israel has occupied Beaufort Castle since its withdrawal in 2000," said Orna Mizrahi, a senior fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies in Israel.

During Lebanon's civil war (1975-1990), Palestinian fighters used the castle as an observation post. Israel captured it during its 1982 invasion after a lengthy battle, damaging the structure. Israel then utilized it as a primary observation post, particularly for electronic eavesdropping, until its withdrawal in 2000. Hezbollah claims its fighters are still engaged with Israeli forces near the fortress, asserting that the site itself is not militarized. Lebanon's Culture Minister has warned that Israeli strikes in the south threaten heritage sites, with "several bombs" reportedly falling on the castle.

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several bombs