Israeli troops captured the historic Beaufort Castle and the strategic ridge surrounding it in southern Lebanon, the military said, marking a significant advance against the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement despite a ceasefire announced more than six weeks earlier.
The development followed one of the heaviest days of Hezbollah rocket fire towards northern Israel since the ceasefire took effect in April. The attacks prompted school closures and security restrictions in several Israeli communities.
According to the Israeli military, the operation focused on securing the Beaufort Ridge and the Wadi al-Saluki area while targeting Hezbollah fighters and infrastructure established on the ridge with Iranian support.
One Israeli soldier was killed during the operation, the military said. There was no immediate response from either Hezbollah or Lebanese authorities.
The capture of the medieval fortress and surrounding high ground expanded Israel’s presence in southern Lebanon as fighting along the Israel-Hezbollah front continued despite a broader ceasefire linked to the wider conflict involving Iran.
Israel said control of the ridge provided troops with a commanding view across large parts of southern Lebanon and northern Israel. Military officials described the area as a key launch point for attacks against Israeli communities.
The military said Hezbollah had carried out numerous attacks from the ridge and claimed hundreds of projectiles had been launched from positions in the area towards Israeli civilians and soldiers.
Israeli forces were also continuing operations near Nabatieh, a major Hezbollah stronghold in southern Lebanon, according to the military.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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