Israeli forces have taken control of a mountain-top castle built by Crusaders in southern Lebanon, marking their deepest advance into the country in over 25 years. The seizure of Beaufort castle near Nabatiyeh followed intense clashes and airstrikes in surrounding villages where troops engaged Hezbollah fighters in difficult terrain. The army’s Arabic spokesperson shared images on social media of soldiers near the site, while Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that troops had raised the national flag there. Israeli forces had previously held the castle from 1982 until their withdrawal in 2000. Katz noted that 44 years after the Battle of Beaufort, soldiers had returned to the summit on the anniversary of losses from the First Lebanon War. The move occurred despite a ceasefire in place since April and ahead of upcoming talks at the US State Department. Israel has widened operations by sending troops beyond the Litani River, previously a boundary, and declared the zone up to the Zahrani River a combat area. Some residents have fled due to strikes, though many towns remain populated. Hezbollah reported attacks on Israeli troops and a tank near the border town of Bayada. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported 3,371 deaths since March. The Israeli army confirmed one soldier killed by a drone, bringing its total military deaths to 25 since early March. US President Donald Trump said he obtained assurances from Iran against nuclear weapons development and sent a revised proposal to Tehran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered forces to secure 70 percent of the Gaza Strip, risking the fragile ceasefire and worsening conditions there.
