Israel seizes castle in Lebanon as it expands ground offensive
The Israeli military seized Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, expanding its ground offensive against Hezbollah and issuing evacuation warnings south of the Zahrani river. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned Israel's actions as 'collective punishment,' while negotiations between Israel and Lebanon continue in Washington amid escalating violence." "article": "The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have expanded their ground operations in southern Lebanon, capturing Beaufort Castle, a strategic Crusader-era fortress overlooking the Litani River. The IDF warned residents south of the Zahrani River to evacuate, citing risks near Hezbollah combat elements, marking the second such evacuation order in recent days. The operation involved a 'significant number' of ground troops, pushing deeper into Lebanon beyond the Litani River boundary. Defense Minister Israel Katz highlighted the symbolic victory, noting the Golani Brigade had previously recaptured the castle 44 years ago. He emphasized its importance in safeguarding Israeli communities near the border. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned Israel's actions in a televised address, accusing it of a 'scorched-earth policy and collective punishment.' Meanwhile, a fourth round of indirect negotiations between Israel and Lebanon is set to take place in Washington this week, though Hezbollah remains excluded. Since the conflict reignited in March following Hezbollah's rocket attacks in response to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, Lebanon reports over 3,300 civilian casualties and 25 Israeli military deaths. Schools near the border were closed on Sunday as a precaution after Hezbollah fired 25 projectiles toward Israeli communities on Saturday. The IDF confirmed another soldier had been killed in recent clashes, underscoring the escalating violence. The Lebanese government, limited in its ability to intervene, continues diplomatic efforts while the military remains a passive observer in the conflict.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have expanded their ground operations in southern Lebanon, capturing Beaufort Castle, a strategic Crusader-era fortress overlooking the Litani River. The IDF warned residents south of the Zahrani River to evacuate, citing risks near Hezbollah combat elements, marking the second such evacuation order in recent days. The operation involved a 'significant number' of ground troops, pushing deeper into Lebanon beyond the Litani River boundary. Defense Minister Israel Katz highlighted the symbolic victory, noting the Golani Brigade had previously recaptured the castle 44 years ago. He emphasized its importance in safeguarding Israeli communities near the border. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned Israel's actions in a televised address, accusing it of a 'scorched-earth policy and collective punishment.' Meanwhile, a fourth round of indirect negotiations between Israel and Lebanon is set to take place in Washington this week, though Hezbollah remains excluded. Since the conflict reignited in March following Hezbollah's rocket attacks in response to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, Lebanon reports over 3,300 civilian casualties and 25 Israeli military deaths. Schools near the border were closed on Sunday as a precaution after Hezbollah fired 25 projectiles toward Israeli communities on Saturday. The IDF confirmed another soldier had been killed in recent clashes, underscoring the escalating violence. The Lebanese government, limited in its ability to intervene, continues diplomatic efforts while the military remains a passive observer in the conflict.
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