Israel Defense Forces ground troops have captured a strategic mountain ridge in southeastern Lebanon in their deepest incursion into the country in 26 years, the military said on Sunday. Israeli forces seized Beaufort Castle near the city of Nabatieh as part of the army’s efforts to “eliminate the direct threat to communities in the Galilee Panhandle, including Metula,” it stated. Troops have been advancing deeper into Lebanon for several days after crossing the Litani River, marking an expansion of operations. Israeli forces are now some 5 kilometers, or 3 miles, from Nabatieh, a major urban center and Hezbollah stronghold.
“The operation is focused on gaining control of the Beaufort Ridge and the Wadi al-Saluki area, while also intensifying the campaign against Hezbollah and destroying significant terrorist infrastructure established on the ridge with Iranian guidance,” the IDF said. “In addition, the forces are operating against launch infrastructure in the area that was used to carry out hundreds of rocket launches against Israeli civilians and IDF troops operating in Southern Lebanon,” it added. The military said the operation was one of dozens carried out in recent weeks as part of its ongoing campaign against the Iranian terrorist proxy. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the IDF returned to the Beaufort Ridge “united, determined and stronger than ever.”
“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,” he said, referencing the June 1982 battle for the mountain ridge during the First Lebanon War. Netanyahu added, “Today, we returned to Beaufort differently.” “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,” the premier declared. (Ed note: The castle was a Crusader Castle built in the 12th century, circa 1137–1139.) (Read More)
