The Israeli military today raised its flag over Beaufort Castle, declaring control of the medieval structure and the mountain range of the same name, which offers a wide view across southern Lebanon.

"The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) expanded its operations in Lebanon, crossed the Litani river, and occupied the Beaufort mountain range, one of the important strategic strongholds to protect communities in the Galilee region and ensure the safety of its soldiers," said Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz.

The Israeli flag and the Golani Brigade flag appeared on the tower of Beaufort Castle on 31/5. *Photo: IDF*

Beaufort Castle, also known as Qalaat al-Shakif, is a fortress built before or during the 12th century. It is situated on high ground overlooking the Galilee region in northern Israel and the Nabatieh region in southern Lebanon. Israel previously controlled this site during its occupation of parts of Lebanese territory from 1982-2000.

The IDF believes that the armed group Hezbollah has built extensive military infrastructure in the area with Iranian support, enabling them to launch numerous rocket attacks against Israel.

The Israeli military launched ground operations in the Beaufort mountain range and Wadi Saluki valley in recent days, destroying Hezbollah military infrastructure and "eliminating a direct threat" to Israel's northern border region. Minister Katz asserted that "thousands of Hezbollah members have been neutralized" and the Israeli military has gained control of hundreds of square kilometers of additional territory during the Lebanon operation.

Golani Brigade soldiers of the IDF patrolling Beaufort Castle in a photo released on 31/5. *Photo: IDF*

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later praised the control of Beaufort Castle as "a new phase and a major turning point" in Israel's military strategy in Lebanon. He stated he had instructed the IDF to advance deeper into areas effectively controlled by Hezbollah.

"We return to Beaufort with a different mindset, united, determined, and stronger than ever. We have broken the barrier of fear, seized the initiative, and operated on all fronts from Syria, Gaza to Lebanon," Netanyahu said in a video released by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced that France had requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council after Israel took control of Beaufort Castle. "Nothing can justify Israel's continued military campaign in Lebanon and its increasing occupation of territory," he stated.

Location of the Litani river. *Graphic: RANE*

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Israel of pursuing a "scorched earth" and "collective punishment" policy in southern Lebanon, arguing that recent attacks have deliberately destroyed towns and villages, forcing residents to flee their homes.

The IDF issued a large-scale evacuation order for areas south of the Zahrani river and north of the Litani river, about 40 km from the Israeli border. IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee warned that anyone near Hezbollah forces or facilities risks becoming a target.

The Lebanese news agency reported that numerous airstrikes occurred near the city of Tyre in the country's south, including one strike near a hospital. Lebanon's Ministry of Health stated that Israeli attacks since 2/3 have resulted in nearly 3,400 deaths.

By Thanh Danh (AFP, Times of Israel)