Israeli troops have captured the 900-year-old Beaufort Castle and a strategic ridge in southern Lebanon, marking a significant gain against Iran-backed Hezbollah despite a ceasefire that has been in place for over six weeks.
The medieval fortress, which has changed hands numerous times throughout history, has been a key military position for nearly 1,000 years, offering stunning views across southern Lebanon and northern Israel.
Israel's capture of the castle comes after several days of airstrikes and fighting in nearby villages, where Israeli troops battled Hezbollah fighters.
The Israeli military's spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, shared a photograph on X showing Israeli soldiers outside the fortress, while the country's defence minister, Israel Katz, posted on X saying troops had raised the Israeli flag over the site.
Beaufort Castle has been occupied by various armies, including the Crusaders, Saladin's Jerusalem army, the Mamluks, the Ottomans, the French Mandate authorities, the Palestine Liberation Organization, and the Israeli military.
