Israel captures Beaufort Castle in Lebanon, expanding ground offensive amid ongoing strikes

What happened

The BBC Middle East Lebanon reports that Israeli forces have captured Beaufort Castle, a strategic fortress in southern Lebanon, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as "a decisive shift" in the military campaign against Hezbollah. Israel's ground troops are advancing beyond the Litani river, previously considered a limit for their operations.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure or battlefield claim should be read as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source. Beaufort Castle, overlooking the Litani valley, carries historical significance having been seized by Israel during the 1982 Lebanon war and evacuated in 2000. Defence Minister Israel Katz highlighted both its symbolic and strategic value, noting the Golani Brigade's historical involvement and the importance in protecting Israeli border communities.

Following the capture, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) expanded evacuation warnings for residents in southern Lebanon below the Zahrani river, citing risks near Hezbollah positions. The IDF spokesman said significant ground forces are involved and operations are spreading to new areas, which reflects deeper incursions into Lebanese territory and escalates the conflict intensity.

Known from the source

• Israel has captured Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon.
• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the capture a "decisive shift" in the campaign against Hezbollah.
• Israeli ground troops have moved beyond the Litani river into Lebanese territory.
• The IDF expanded evacuation warnings for residents south of the Zahrani river.
• Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Israel of collective punishment.

What remains unclear

In a televised address, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Israel of pursuing a "scorched-earth policy and collective punishment" in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, France has requested a UN Security Council meeting to discuss recent Israeli military operations, with French and German officials expressing concern about further escalation and displacement risks.

What remains unclear: Verify casualty figures, including reported 13 hospital staff injuries near Hiram hospital. Confirm precise details and attributions of recent strikes in Beirut and southern Lebanon. Check current status and enforcement of the ceasefire agreement and official statements from both Israel and Lebanon. Confirm the size and scope of Israeli ground forces involved beyond original operation limits.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: BBC Middle East Lebanon. Open the source.