Israeli forces push further into south Lebanon, seize Beaufort castle

Israeli troops advanced deep into southern Lebanon on May 31, capturing the medieval Beaufort Castle and areas north of the Litani River, the farthest push since their withdrawal in 2000. Footage showed Israeli flags and those of the Golani Brigade flying over the strategic ridge, as Hezbollah militants responded with rocket and drone attacks on northern Israel, targeting locations as far south as Acre and Haifa. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed Hezbollah used Beaufort Ridge and Wadi al-Saluki for military operations under Iranian direction. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the operation as a 'dramatic change in policy,' stating Israel had 'broken the barrier of fear' and would expand its incursion into Lebanon. He emphasized operations across multiple fronts, including Syria and Gaza, to establish security zones beyond Israel’s borders. Netanyahu warned the IDF would 'deepen and expand' control over Hezbollah-held areas despite a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon. Schools near the border were closed due to relentless Hezbollah fire over the weekend, including an attack on an IDF helicopter landing pad in the Shlomi settlement. France condemned the escalation, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot requesting an emergency UN Security Council meeting. Barrot called Israel’s deepening occupation of Lebanese territory a 'major mistake,' urging an end to military operations. The move has heightened tensions in the region, raising concerns over a broader conflict.