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Israel targets strategic sites in Lebanon and seizes Beaufort Castle
Israel targets strategic sites in Lebanon and seizes Beaufort Castle
31/05/2026LEBANON / ISRAEL — As negotiations continue in Washington between the Lebanese and Israeli delegations aimed at reaching a real ceasefire agreement and establishing peace, the exchange of attacks between the Israeli army and the Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon continues unabated.
The Israeli military has not limited its operations to artillery shelling and airstrikes in southern Lebanon but has now expanded its ground offensive to areas north of the Litani River, in violation of the agreements signed between the two parties. Israeli forces targeted areas near the city of Nabatieh, including a strategic hilltop housing the historic Beaufort Castle, which dates to the twelfth century and is located near the Litani River. The castle lies approximately 15 kilometers from the Israeli border and had remained under Israeli control for 18 years before Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon in 2000.
Commenting on the Israeli army’s capture of the castle, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the development as a decisive turning point, by saying: “Our heroic fighters have conquered the Beaufort [Castle], and we continue until we complete the mission.”
הלוחמים הגיבורים שלנו כבשו את הבופור ואנחנו ממשיכים עד שנשלים את המשימה pic.twitter.com/j0oBy2z9cG
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) May 31, 2026
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced that France has requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council following Israel’s expansion of its military operations inside Lebanese territory over the past 24 hours.
Simultaneously with the military operations, the Israeli army issued warnings to residents of more than 10 villages in southern Lebanon, urging them to evacuate their areas. Meanwhile, PM Netanyahu called for an urgent security assessment meeting with his Defense Minister Israel Katz, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and senior military commanders to discuss the security developments in northern Israel.
According to Israeli sources and media outlets, Iran-backed Hezbollah responded to the escalation by launching barrages of rockets toward northern Israel. For the first time since the ceasefire began on 17 April, the attacks reportedly reached the cities of Safed and Nahariya.
In the same context, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam discussed the developments in southern Lebanon, reaffirming their determination to intensify international contacts and pressure on Israel to halt the demolition of homes and heritage and historical sites, in addition to stopping evacuation orders that are forcing residents to leave their areas.
Meanwhile, regarding the outcome of the negotiations in Washington, sources indicated that the meeting failed to achieve any tangible progress, particularly concerning the full implementation of the ceasefire. Israel reportedly remains determined to continue its military operations and establish a buffer zone in southern Lebanon.