Nabatieh, Lebanon (May 31, 2026)

Israeli forces have taken control of the Beaufort Castle area in southern Lebanon, marking one of the most significant ground advances by the IDF in Lebanon in more than two decades.

The operation was carried out by forces from the Golani Brigade, the 7th Armored Brigade, and Givati units operating under the 36th Division. Israeli troops crossed the Litani River and moved onto the Beaufort Ridge, a high-ground position overlooking large sections of southern Lebanon and northern Israel.

The IDF said the operation targeted Hezbollah infrastructure that had been built up in the area, including positions used for observation, weapons activity, and attacks toward Israel. The military said the advance was supported by air power, artillery, and tanks, and was approved by senior IDF leadership.

Beaufort Castle has long held both military and symbolic significance. The Crusader-era fortress became a key battlefield during the First Lebanon War in 1982, when Israeli forces captured it from Palestinian armed groups in a costly battle. Israel later used the site during its years in the southern Lebanon security zone before withdrawing from Lebanon in 2000.

At the time of that withdrawal, Hezbollah’s takeover of the site became a powerful image in the region. Its renewed capture by Israeli forces is now being viewed in Israel as both a strategic move and a symbolic reversal, particularly amid the ongoing campaign to push Hezbollah away from the border.

The latest advance comes as fighting in southern Lebanon has intensified, with Israeli forces expanding operations against Hezbollah positions north of the border area. The military has described the campaign as part of a broader effort to reduce threats to northern Israeli communities and prevent Hezbollah from reestablishing attack infrastructure near Israel.

The situation remains fluid, with continued military activity reported across parts of southern Lebanon.

BREAKING:

Israeli forces have captured the strategic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon.

The Crusader-era fortress overlooks the Litani River and is considered a key strategic position in the region.

Israel previously controlled the area during its presence in southern… pic.twitter.com/ic0JRYftTe

— Current Report (@Currentreport1) May 31, 2026

Historic.

26 years after the last Israeli soldier left Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, the Israeli Defense Forces have returned and conquered it once again.

We will not stop until Hezbollah is fully destroyed.

Israel is stronger than ever. pic.twitter.com/UnQbbF69Fl

— Vivid. (@VividProwess) May 31, 2026