Israel Plants Flag on Medieval Castle, Expands Lebanon Ground Operation

Israel's flag now flies over the medieval Beaufort castle in southern Lebanon as the country warns Lebanese civilians to evacuate a large area ahead of intensified ground operations. Smoke rose from the surrounding area as the Israeli banner was seen above the castle, a site Israeli forces previously used as a base during their two-decade occupation.

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Forty-four years after the heroic Battle of Beaufort, and on this day commemorating the soldiers who fell in the First Lebanon War, our troops have returned to the summit of Beaufort and once again raised the Israeli flag there.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that troops had captured the historic stronghold, which offers sweeping views of south Lebanon. He stated that the army expanded its ground operations, crossing the Litani River, and seized Beaufort Ridge, calling it a crucial strategic point for defending Israel's Galilee communities and ensuring troop security. Katz made the announcement on the anniversary of the "heroic Battle of Beaufort" and the commemoration of soldiers lost in the First Lebanon War.

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Under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and my direction, the IDF (army) expanded the operations in Lebanon, crossed the Litani River, and captured the Beaufort Ridge -- one of the most important strategic points for defending the communities of the Galilee and safeguarding the security of our forces.

The push towards Beaufort coincides with a sweeping evacuation order issued by the Israeli military for areas south of the Zahrani River, north of the Litani, and approximately 40 kilometers from the border. Military spokesman Avichay Adraee warned that Hezbollah was the target and that anyone near Hezbollah elements or facilities endangered their lives, with buildings used for military purposes subject to targeting.

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Anyone present near Hezbollah elements, facilities, or combat means endangers their life. Any building used by Hezbollah for military purposes may become subject to targeting!

Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Israel of pursuing a "scorched-earth policy and collective punishment" in the south, destroying towns and villages and displacing inhabitants. He urged a halt to the fighting. Military delegations from Lebanon and Israel held security talks in Washington, with further U.S.-brokered negotiations planned. Salam acknowledged that the outcome was not guaranteed but called the talks the "least costly path" for his country. A truce that began on April 17 has been largely unobserved, with both Israel and Hezbollah accusing each other of daily violations.

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A significant number of IDF ground soldiers commenced offensive operations aimed at expanding the Forward Defense Line... The operation is currently expanding to additional areas.