Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the IDF’s capture of the historic Beaufort Castle and surrounding ridge in southern Lebanon as a major turning point in Israel’s war against Hezbollah, declaring that Israeli forces have “returned to Beaufort stronger than ever.”

In a video statement released Sunday, Netanyahu said the capture of the strategic mountain fortress represents “a dramatic stage and a dramatic change in the policy we are leading” as Israel deepens its ground offensive against the Iranian-backed terror group.

“Last night, our heroic fighters captured the Beaufort castle. They proudly raised the flag of the State of Israel and the flag of the Golani Brigade there,” Netanyahu said.

The prime minister noted the symbolic significance of Beaufort, which was captured by Israeli forces during one of the opening battles of the First Lebanon War in 1982 and remained under Israeli control until the withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000.

“I remind you that 44 years ago, this place was a symbol of a heroic battle by our fighters, but it was also a symbol of deep division among us,” Netanyahu said.

“Today, we returned to Beaufort differently. We returned united, determined, and stronger than ever.”

According to Netanyahu, the military achievements in Lebanon have been far greater than many Israelis realize.

“I spoke with the fighters on the northern border on Friday. They told me: ‘Tell the people of Israel what we are doing here. Prime Minister, the public doesn’t know what achievements we have made.’”

Netanyahu revealed that Israel has eliminated approximately 8,000 Hezbollah terrorists since the beginning of the war.

“Well, since the beginning of the War of Redemption we have eliminated 8,000 Hezbollah terrorists. Since Operation Roaring Lion – 3,000. In the past month alone – 700. This is more than everyone we eliminated during the Second Lebanon War.”

The prime minister also disclosed that he has instructed the IDF to further expand its operations inside Lebanon.

“I have instructed the IDF to expand the incursion in Lebanon. Our forces have crossed the Litani River. They took dominant terrain. They captured the Beaufort ridge. And now my instruction is to deepen and expand our hold on places that were under Hezbollah’s control.”

Netanyahu described the operation as part of a broader strategic shift.

“We have broken the barrier of fear. We are taking the initiative, we are operating on all fronts – in Syria, in Gaza, in Lebanon; we have established security zones beyond our borders to protect our communities.”

The prime minister said brigade commanders currently operating inside Lebanon told him, “Prime Minister, we are carrying out the mission. We are charging forward – and Hezbollah is fleeing for its life.”

“And I told them: ‘I am with you. The entire nation of Israel is with you.’”

Despite the battlefield successes, Netanyahu cautioned that the campaign is not yet complete.

“It will take more time, but we will restore security to the residents of the North, just as we did for the residents of the South,” he said.

“It will take time, but we will complete the mission.”

The announcement comes as Hezbollah continues to launch rockets and drones at northern Israel despite sustained Israeli military operations deep inside Lebanon.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)