Israel Seizes Crusader Castle Beaufort in Deepest Lebanon Incursion Since 2000, Complicating Iran Truce Talks

Israeli troops captured the strategic Crusader castle of Beaufort in southern Lebanon on Sunday, the military announced, in the deepest Israeli incursion into the country since withdrawing in 2000. The seizure of the medieval fortress, perched at over 700 meters above sea level and offering commanding views across southern Lebanon and northern Israel, represents a major advance against the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group despite a nominal ceasefire announced more than six weeks ago.

A strategic prize with a long history

Beaufort, also known as Al-Shaqif or Qalaat al-Shaqif, was built around the 12th century and has been a military asset for nearly a millennium, used by Crusaders, Saladin's army, Mamluks, Ottomans, the French mandate, the Palestinian Liberation Organization, and the Israeli military during its 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon until 2000. The operation focused on establishing control of the Beaufort Ridge and the Wadi al-Saluki area while degrading Hezbollah infrastructure established under Iranian direction. One Israeli soldier was killed during the incursion, the military said.

The capture of Beaufort is a dramatic stage and a dramatic shift in the policy we are leading.

Leaders hail a symbolic return

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the conquest as a "dramatic step" and said he had instructed the military to "deepen and expand our hold in places that were under Hezbollah's control." Defence Minister Israel Katz celebrated the return, noting that "forty-four years after the heroic Battle of Beaufort, and on this day commemorating the soldiers who fell in the First Lebanon War, our heroic fighters have captured Beaufort again and will remain there as part of the security zone." The Israeli flag was raised over the fortress by soldiers of the Golani Brigade.

A ceasefire in name only

The advance comes despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire announced on April 17 that was intended to halt fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Both sides accuse each other of daily violations. Hezbollah entered the conflict on March 2, firing rockets and drones into Israel days after the Iran war began. Saturday saw one of the heaviest days of Hezbollah fire toward northern Israel since the truce, prompting school closures and restrictions. The fighting has complicated efforts to extend the Iran war ceasefire, as Tehran demands an end to hostilities in Lebanon as part of any deal.

There's a feeling of, 'For what?'

A deepening humanitarian toll

Over 3,300 people, including dozens of children, have been killed in Lebanon since fighting began on March 2, according to Lebanese officials. About one million people have been displaced. At least 25 Israeli soldiers and a defense contractor have been killed in Lebanon or northern Israel, along with two civilians. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Israel of "implementing a policy of total destruction of cities and towns." The Israeli military has warned Lebanese civilians across the south to evacuate or risk being in the line of fire.

International alarm and diplomatic fallout

France requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Sunday, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stating that "nothing can justify the continuation of Israeli military operations in Lebanon and its ever-deeper occupation of Lebanese territory." The seizure of Beaufort also evokes bitter memories of Israel's previous occupation, which ended in 2000 after a bloody Hezbollah-led insurgency. Military experts and veterans warned that the capture may not stop Hezbollah rocket fire and could lead Israel toward another war of attrition.

Nothing can justify the continuation of Israeli military operations in Lebanon and its ever-deeper occupation of Lebanese territory.