Israel Expands Lebanon Ground Offensive, Captures Beaufort Castle Despite Ceasefire

Ground Offensive Expands

Israel's military announced on Sunday that it is expanding its ground operation in southern Lebanon to "additional areas" to establish a "forward defensive line." Israeli soldiers have crossed the Litani River, which runs approximately 30 kilometers north of the shared border. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had already confirmed on Friday that Israeli forces had crossed the river. The army stated it began an operation "a few days ago" in the area of the Beaufort ridge and Wadi al-Saluki in southern Lebanon, aiming to eliminate "direct threats" to northern Israeli communities and the town of Metula, and to strengthen operational control in the south.

Beaufort Castle Captured

In a symbolic and strategic move, Israeli forces captured the medieval Crusader Beaufort Castle on the Litani River. Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that Israeli soldiers had "returned to the summit of Beaufort and once again raised the Israeli flag," referencing the castle's previous capture during the 1982 Lebanon War. The military confirmed the capture to the Reuters news agency. The operation around the castle is part of a broader push to secure the area against Hezbollah positions.

Ceasefire in Tatters

The escalation occurs despite an official ceasefire between Israel and the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia that came into effect on April 17. Both sides accuse each other of violating the agreement and justify their attacks as responses to the other's breaches. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam sharply criticized the ongoing Israeli strikes, accusing Israel of a "scorched earth and collective punishment" strategy that destroys towns and villages and forces residents to flee. Salam called the escalation "dangerous and unprecedented" and urged intensified political and diplomatic efforts to achieve a "rapid and genuine ceasefire."

This will bring Israel neither security nor stability.

Rocket Fire and Evacuations

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for attacking the northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona with a "salvo of rockets," framing it as a defense of Lebanon and its people in response to Israeli ceasefire violations. The Israeli military reported that approximately 10 to 15 rockets were fired at northern Israel in four waves, with ten projectiles aimed at Kiryat Shmona. Israel's air defense intercepted nine rockets, but one struck the city center, causing property damage. No injuries were reported. In response, Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee ordered the immediate evacuation of residents from seven to ten villages in southern Lebanon, citing Hezbollah's "breach of the ceasefire agreement" and warning of "decisive measures."

Due to the breach of the ceasefire agreement by the terrorist organization Hezbollah, the Israeli army will take decisive measures.

Diplomatic Efforts Continue

Despite the violence, diplomatic channels remain open. Prime Minister Salam defended the continuation of direct negotiations with Israel as the "least costly path" for Lebanon. A new round of talks is scheduled for June 2 and 3 in Washington. This comes just a day after military delegations from both countries held landmark security discussions in the U.S. capital. Hezbollah, whose declared goal is the destruction of Israel, rejects the direct talks and the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement.

Casualties and Impact

Lebanese authorities report that 3,371 people have been killed by Israeli attacks since the start of the fighting, with more than one million displaced. Recent Israeli airstrikes targeted the city of Nabatieh and its surroundings, with the Lebanese broadcaster LBC reporting at least three people killed. The Lebanese army also stated that two of its soldiers were wounded in a "targeted" Israeli attack in the south. Lebanese state media reported Israeli artillery fire near Beaufort Castle.