Israeli Forces Seize Crusader-Era Beaufort Castle in Lebanon
Israeli forces have seized Beaufort Castle, a 900-year-old fortress built during the Crusades, located in southern Lebanon. This event represents the most significant incursion into the region in over 25 years. The castle, situated near Nabatiyeh, was captured following several days of air strikes and confrontations with Hezbollah fighters. This maneuver is a crucial moment in the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict, which ignited on March 2 when Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel in response to US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Despite a nominal ceasefire since April 17 and upcoming negotiations in Washington starting Tuesday, Israeli troops have advanced, taking numerous villages along the border. Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, allied with Hezbollah, reaffirmed the group's commitment to ceasefire. Israel previously occupied Beaufort Castle from 1982 until their withdrawal in 2000.
Key facts
- Israeli army captured Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon.
- The castle is a 900-year-old Crusader-built fortress.
- It is located near the city of Nabatiyeh.
- The capture followed days of air strikes and fighting with Hezbollah.
- This is the deepest Israeli incursion into Lebanon in over 25 years.
- The war began on March 2, 2025, after Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel.
- A nominal ceasefire has been in place since April 17, 2025.
- Direct talks between Lebanon and Israel are scheduled in Washington starting Tuesday.
- Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri guaranteed Hezbollah's commitment to a ceasefire.
- Israel previously held the castle from 1982 to 2000.
Entities
Institutions
- Israeli army
- Hezbollah
- Lebanese Parliament
- US
- Iran
Locations
- Beaufort Castle
- Lebanon
- Nabatiyeh
- southern Lebanon
- northern Israel
- Washington
- Iran