Israeli forces have seized a strategically vital Crusader-era castle in southern Lebanon, marking their deepest military advance into the country in over a quarter-century, the military announced on Sunday.
The capture of Beaufort Castle, situated near the city of Nabatiyeh, follows days of intense aerial bombardment and ground clashes where Israeli troops engaged Hezbollah fighters in the rugged terrain of nearby villages. This development signifies a major escalation in the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict, which erupted on 2 March after Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel. This rocket fire came two days after the United States and Israel targeted Iran, Hezbollah's primary supporter.
