Israel Troops Capture Strategic Beaufort Castle in Push Against Hezbollah
Israeli Military Advances and Strategic Developments in Southern Lebanon
Seizure of Beaufort Castle and Ridge
JERUSALEM, May 31 (Reuters) - Israeli troops have seized the 900-year-old Beaufort Castle and its strategic ridge in southern Lebanon, the military said on Sunday, a major advance against Iran-backed Hezbollah despite a ceasefire announced more than six weeks ago.
It comes after Saturday, one of the heaviest days of Hezbollah fire toward northern Israel since the April ceasefire, prompting school closures and restrictions.
Operation Objectives and Military Actions
The operation, the military said, was focused on establishing control of the Beaufort Ridge and the Wadi al-Saluki area, while degrading the Hezbollah militia and its infrastructure on the ridge established under Iranian direction.
Casualties and Immediate Reactions
One Israeli soldier was killed, the military said.
There were no immediate comments from Lebanon or from Hezbollah.
Strategic Impact and Ongoing Conflict
The capture of the medieval castle and ridge deepen Israel's footprint in Lebanon as the Israel-Hezbollah military front remains active even as a parallel ceasefire holds in the wider Iran war.
Hezbollah's Role in the Broader Conflict
Hezbollah entered the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran by firing rockets and drones into Israel on March 2, days after the Iran conflict began. Israel then began to attempt driving the Iran-backed militia away from its northern border.
Military Advantages Gained
The advance into Beaufort Castle has granted Israeli troops an overlook point over much of southern Lebanon and northern Israel, from which attacks have been launched towards Israeli residential areas.
Continued Clashes and Military Operations
Hezbollah "carried out numerous attacks," from the Ridge, the military said, adding that its troops were operating against launch infrastructure in the area, from which "hundreds of projectiles were launched toward Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers."
Israeli troops were also operating near Nabatieh, a major Hezbollah stronghold in southern Lebanon, the military said.
Reporting and Editorial Credits
(Reporting by Steven Scheer, Maya Gebeily, Tala Ramadan and Nazih OsseiranEditing by Bernadette Baum)
