Israel captures Beaufort Castle in deepest Lebanon incursion in 26 years
Israeli forces captured the strategic 900-year-old Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon on May 31, 2026, marking their deepest incursion into the country since 2000. The operation involved crossing the Litani River and intense fighting with Hezbollah, despite a nominal April 17 ceasefire repeatedly violated by both sides. Prime Minister Netanyahu called it a “dramatic shift” in the campaign. France condemned the move and requested an emergency UN Security Council meeting, while Lebanon accused Israel of scorched-earth tactics. The capture complicates ongoing US-Iran negotiations and Israel-Lebanon talks in Washington.
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
Beaufort Castle: A Historic Stronghold Becomes Flashpoint in Israel-Hezbollah War
The article examines the strategic significance of Beaufort Castle, a 12th-century Crusader fortress in southern Lebanon, which was captured by Israeli forces on June 1, 2026, during a deeper incursion into Lebanon against Hezbollah. Built in 1139 and originally called Qalaat al-Shaqif, the castle has changed hands multiple times—from Crusaders and Saladin to Mamluks, Ottomans, French, and the PLO. In the 1970s, the PLO used it to attack Israel, and Israel seized it in 1982, holding it until 2000. The castle overlooks the Litani River and northern Israel, making it a key military vantage point for surveillance and strikes. It is on track to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was granted provisional enhanced protection under the 1954 Hague Convention in November 2024. The article highlights the castle's role as a pain point in the fragile ceasefire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on April 17, 2026.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Beaufort Castle captured by Israel: Why is the Lebanon fortress important?
On June 1, 2026, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced the capture of Lebanon's Beaufort Castle (Qalaat al-Shaqif) by the Golani Brigade, aiming to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure and eliminate threats to Israeli civilians. The castle, situated on a high ridge overlooking southern Lebanon and northern Israel, is a strategic military asset. Hezbollah confirmed ongoing fighting near the castle, describing it as a 'battle of attrition.' Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the capture as 'fierce and condemned Israeli aggression.' The article provides a historical timeline of the castle, built by Crusaders in 1139, and highlights its previous captures by Saladin, the Mamluks, Ottomans, French, PLO, and Israel in 1982 and 2000. The 2026 capture marks the deepest Israeli incursion into Lebanon since 2000.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Beaufort Castle captured by Israel: Why is the Lebanon fortress important?
On June 1, 2026, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced the capture of Lebanon's Beaufort Castle (Qalaat al-Shaqif) by the Golani Brigade, as part of a ground invasion of Lebanon that began in early March. The castle, situated on a high mountain ridge overlooking southern Lebanon and northern Israel, is a key military asset due to its strategic position over the Litani River valley and near Nabatiyeh. The IDF stated the operation aimed to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure and eliminate threats to Israeli civilians. Hezbollah claimed its fighters are still engaged in a 'battle of attrition' near the castle. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the capture as 'fierce and condemned Israeli aggression.' The article provides a historical timeline of the castle, noting its construction by Crusaders in 1139, capture by Saladin, and subsequent control by Mamluks, Ottomans, French, PLO, and Israel in 1982 and 2000. The 2026 capture marks the deepest Israeli incursion into Lebanon since 2000.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Israel seizes Crusader castle in Lebanon, threatening ceasefire talks
Israel announced on Sunday that its military had captured Beaufort Castle, a 900-year-old Crusader-era fortress in southern Lebanon, which previously served as an Israeli base from 1982 to 2000. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the goal is to 'deepen and expand our grip' on areas formerly controlled by Hezbollah. The seizure marks Israel's deepest incursion into Lebanon since its 2000 withdrawal, occurring despite a nominal U.S.-brokered ceasefire and ongoing Israel-Lebanon talks. The advance complicates U.S.-Iran negotiations, as Iran has made an end to fighting in Lebanon a condition for a deal. Netanyahu faces domestic pressure to escalate attacks but is constrained by the need to avoid derailing talks with Iran, a higher priority for President Trump. Military experts note the capture may not protect against Hezbollah's drones. France has requested an emergency UN Security Council meeting, condemning the prolonged Israeli military operations and occupation of Lebanese territory.
TheWeek feedIsrael seizes Crusader castle in Lebanon, complicating talks
Israel announced on Sunday that its military had captured Beaufort Castle, a 900-year-old Crusader fortress in southern Lebanon, which served as an Israeli base from 1982 to 2000. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the seizure is part of a goal to 'deepen and expand our grip' on areas previously controlled by Hezbollah. The incursion, described as Israel's deepest into Lebanon since its 2000 withdrawal, occurred despite a nominal U.S.-brokered ceasefire and ongoing Israel-Lebanon talks. The advance complicates U.S.-Iran negotiations, as Iran has made an end to fighting in Lebanon a condition for a deal. Netanyahu faces domestic pressure to escalate attacks but is constrained by the need to avoid derailing talks with Iran, a priority for President Trump. France has requested an emergency UN Security Council meeting, condemning the prolonged Israeli military operations and occupation of Lebanese territory.
TheWeek feedIsrael seizes Crusader castle in Lebanon, threatening talks with Iran and Hezbollah
Israel announced on Sunday that its military had captured Beaufort Castle, a 900-year-old Crusader-era fortress in southern Lebanon, which previously served as an Israeli base from 1982 to 2000. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the goal is to 'deepen and expand our grip' on areas formerly controlled by Hezbollah. The incursion, described as Israel's deepest into Lebanon since its 2000 withdrawal, occurs despite a nominal U.S.-brokered ceasefire and ongoing Israel-Lebanon talks. The advance complicates U.S.-Iran negotiations, as Iran has made an end to fighting in Lebanon a condition for a deal. Netanyahu faces domestic pressure to escalate attacks but is constrained by the need to avoid derailing talks with Iran, a higher priority for President Trump. Military experts question the tactical value of capturing the castle against Hezbollah's drone capabilities. France has requested an emergency UN Security Council meeting, condemning the prolonged Israeli military operations and occupation of Lebanese territory.
TheWeek feedIsraeli army captures strategic castle in Lebanon in deepest incursion in 26 years
Israeli troops have captured the strategic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, marking the deepest Israeli incursion into the country in over 26 years. The capture followed days of airstrikes and intense fighting with Hezbollah militants in nearby villages. This advance is part of the latest Israel-Hezbollah war, which began on March 2 after Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel. Despite a nominal ceasefire in place since April 17, Israel has expanded its ground invasion, crossing the Litani River. The Israeli military raised its flag over the castle, which it previously held from 1982 to 2000. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned the operation as 'unacceptable' and requested an emergency UN Security Council meeting. Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri affirmed Hezbollah's commitment to a ceasefire but questioned Israel's compliance.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Netanyahu says capture of Beaufort Castle marks 'dramatic shift' in Lebanon offensive
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on May 31, 2026, that Israeli forces' capture of the strategic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon represents a 'dramatic shift' in the campaign against Hezbollah. The castle, a Crusader-built fortress near Nabatiyeh, was taken after days of intense fighting and airstrikes, marking Israel's deepest incursion into Lebanon in over 26 years. Netanyahu stated that Israel has 'broken the barrier of fear' and is now operating on all fronts, including Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon. The capture comes as the latest Israel-Hezbollah war, which began in early March 2026, continues, and as Israel and Lebanon—technically at war since Israel's founding in 1948—hold direct talks in Washington.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Israeli army captures 900-year-old Beaufort Castle as troops push into Lebanon
Israeli forces have captured the 900-year-old Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, marking their deepest incursion into the country in over 26 years. The strategic ridge, also known as Qalaat al-Shaqif, was seized after days of intense fighting and air strikes. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the capture, with IDF flags raised over the fortress. The operation involved crossing the Litani river to dismantle Hizbullah infrastructure and expand Israeli control. Stalled US-Iran negotiations have created a vacuum, allowing Israel to intensify operations. A truce from April 17th has been repeatedly violated by both sides. Israeli forces are positioning to encircle Nabatieh, a key economic and cultural center. Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Israel of pursuing a scorched-earth policy and called for a real ceasefire.
"site:irishtimes.com" - Google NewsIsraeli Army captures strategic castle in Lebanon in deepest incursion into country in 26 years
Israeli troops have captured the strategic Beaufort Castle near Nabatiyeh in southern Lebanon, marking their deepest incursion into the country in over 26 years. The capture followed days of intense fighting and airstrikes in nearby villages, where Israeli forces engaged Hezbollah members in rugged terrain. The castle, previously held by Israel from 1982 to 2000, is a significant gain since the latest Israel-Hezbollah war began in early March 2026. The development comes as Israel and Lebanon, technically at war since 1948, hold direct talks in Washington. The Israeli Army's Arabic spokesman posted a photo of troops at the castle on social media.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.