Israel seizes strategic castle as it expands south Lebanon invasion

Israel seizes strategic castle as it expands south Lebanon invasion Submitted by MEE staff on Sun, 05/31/2026 - 09:44 Israeli army issues new sweeping expulsion order to areas south of Zahrani River, 40km from border Israeli soldiers operate at Beaufort Ridge in southern Lebanon, in this handout image released on 31 May 2026 (Israeli Military/Handout via Reuters) Off Israeli troops have captured the 900-year-old Beaufort Castle and the strategic ridge surrounding it in southern Lebanon , the military said on Sunday, as it expands its ground offensive despite a nominal ceasefire. The capture of the medieval castle and ridge deepens Israeli footprint in the country beyond the demarcation zone known as the "Yellow Line", which it established in April following the ceasefire. It comes after days of intense fighting and air strikes in nearby villages, where Israeli troops fought Hezbollah members in the rugged area.