Jakarta, ThedailyID — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the capture of Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, calling it a major turning point in Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah.
Israeli forces seized the historic fortress during an expanded ground operation in southern Lebanon. The site sits on a strategic ridge overlooking large parts of southern Lebanon and northern Israel.
In a video statement, Netanyahu described the operation as a “dramatic shift” in Israeli policy. He also claimed Israel had “broken the barrier of fear” and was taking the initiative across multiple fronts, including Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria.
The Israeli military said troops crossed the Litani River and captured key positions, including the Beaufort Ridge and the medieval castle. The operation marked Israel’s deepest incursion into Lebanon in more than 26 years.
Israel said the offensive aims to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure and prevent attacks on northern Israeli communities. Officials accused Hezbollah of using the area to launch rockets and drones toward Israel.
The castle carries both strategic and symbolic importance. Israel previously controlled the site during its occupation of southern Lebanon from 1982 until its withdrawal in 2000.
The operation has drawn international criticism. France called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council and condemned the expansion of Israeli military operations inside Lebanon.
Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified despite a ceasefire reached earlier this year. The conflict has displaced more than one million people and caused thousands of casualties across the region.
