Israel expands ground offensive in southern Lebanon and says it has seized Beaufort Castle
The Israeli military has expanded its ground operations in southern Lebanon and widened evacuation warnings for residents south of the Zahrani river. It said the latest warning covers a broader area than before and urged people to leave immediately. The army also said it has taken Beaufort Castle, a strategic position on a ridge above the Litani river.
Sponsored
The Israel Defense Forces said a significant number of ground soldiers were involved in the operation, which it said was expanding into additional areas. A military spokesman warned that anyone near Hezbollah elements, facilities or means of combat was putting their life at risk. The warning was issued shortly after the army confirmed the capture of Beaufort Castle.
The castle sits on high ground overlooking the Litani river and has long been regarded as a military prize because of its position. The Israeli defence minister said the site was important for protecting Israeli communities across the border. He also linked the capture to a battle fought there 44 years ago, saying the Golani Brigade had returned and raised the Israeli flag above it.
The latest move adds to a continuing escalation in the Israel-Hezbollah war and suggests Israeli ground forces are moving deeper into Lebanese territory beyond the original demarcation line of the Litani river. The repeated evacuation warnings also point to a widening area of disruption for civilians in southern Lebanon. The city of Nabatieh further north was also described as increasingly a target.
Sponsored
Israel says it has intensified its offensive in response to Hezbollah's increased drone and missile attacks on Israeli troops inside Lebanon and on communities across the border. The military also confirmed that another soldier had been killed. On the Israeli side of the border, schools in affected communities have been closed.
What remains unclear is how far the ground operation will extend and whether the expanded evacuation zone will be followed by further advances. It is also not clear how Hezbollah will respond to the seizure of Beaufort Castle and the broader push south of the Zahrani river. The next developments to watch are any further Israeli territorial gains, changes to evacuation orders and any new casualty reports from either side.
Sponsored
