TEL AVIV: Israel’s military has taken control of the strategic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, an action described by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “decisive shift” in operations against Hezbollah.
The development comes as Israeli ground forces push further into Lebanese territory beyond the Litani River boundary, marking an expansion of the ongoing offensive. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said a large number of troops are now engaged in operations that are extending into new areas.
Israel has also issued renewed evacuation warnings for residents across a wider stretch of southern Lebanon, instructing civilians to leave regions south of the Zahrani River. An IDF spokesperson said anyone near Hezbollah positions or military assets could be at risk, according to BBC.
The escalation has drawn criticism from the United Kingdom, France and Germany, while Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Israel of imposing “collective punishment” through its military actions.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper urged both sides to halt the fighting, saying the escalation has caused civilian casualties, displacement and damage to infrastructure while shrinking space for diplomacy. She also called on Hezbollah to stop attacks on Israel and disarm.
France has requested a meeting of the United Nations Security Council to address the situation, with President Emmanuel Macron stressing the urgent need for a ceasefire and an end to hostilities.
(Inputs from BBC)
Comment