Israel Seizes Medieval Crusader Castle in Hezbollah Battle
Israeli forces seized Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, their deepest incursion in over two decades, raising their flag over the strategic Crusader fortress overlooking the Litani River.
The Israel Defense Forces raised the national flag above the 900-year-old Crusader fortress, which sits atop a strategic cliffside overlooking the Litani River, according to New York Post. The position provides Israeli troops with a commanding vantage point over much of southern Lebanon and northern Israel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized the operation as a turning point in Israeli strategy. The capture of Beaufort is a dramatic stage and a dramatic shift in the policy we are leading, Netanyahu declared in a video statement, emphasizing that Israel has broken through fear barriers and now operates decisively across multiple fronts including Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon.
The IDF indicated that Hezbollah had previously utilized the ridge above the Litani River to conduct numerous attacks against Israeli territory. Israeli military officials stated that hundreds of projectiles were launched from infrastructure in the area, targeting both Israeli civilians and military personnel.
This represents Israel’s deepest incursion into Lebanese territory in more than 26 years. Jerusalem previously captured the fortress during the 1982 Lebanon War, when it became the center of intense fighting. Israeli forces maintained a presence at the site for 18 years before withdrawing in 2000.
Following the seizure of Beaufort, the IDF issued extensive evacuation orders for areas south of the Zahrani River, north of the Litani, and within approximately 25 miles of the border. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee directed residents on social media to evacuate immediately for their own safety as operations against Hezbollah infrastructure continued.
The military operation focused on securing control of the Beaufort Ridge and the Wadi al-Saluki area while dismantling Hezbollah militia positions and Iranian-directed infrastructure established along the ridge. One Israeli soldier was killed during the operation, the IDF confirmed. Neither Lebanese authorities nor Hezbollah issued immediate statements regarding the incursion.
The offensive comes after Saturday witnessed one of the most intense barrages of Hezbollah fire toward northern Israel since April’s ceasefire agreement, forcing school closures and movement restrictions in affected areas.
Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s renewed strength and unity in returning to the historic fortress. The prime minister asserted that Jerusalem is now taking the initiative and operating across all fronts in the region.
Crusader forces originally captured Beaufort in 1139, though historical records provide limited information about the fortress prior to the Crusades. During the 2024 Lebanon conflict, UNESCO granted the castle enhanced protection status to shield it from potential combat damage.
With information from New York Post
