Israel Captures Strategic Crusader-Era Fortress as Offensive Against Hezbollah in Lebanon Widens

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have captured a strategic 12th-century Crusader castle as it advances deep into the Hezbollah-controlled territory of southern Lebanon.

“Israeli troops have seized the 900-year-old Beaufort Castle and its strategic ridge in southern Lebanon,” Reuters reported on Sunday morning. “The operation, the military said, was focused on establishing control of the Beaufort Ridge and the ⁠Wadi al-Saluki area, while degrading the Hezbollah militia and its infrastructure on the ridge established under Iranian direction.”

Lebanon’s LBCI airs footage of the flags of Israel and Sayeret Golani flying over Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, north of the Litani River. pic.twitter.com/wCsqvQ6Ue1

— Ariel Oseran أريئل أوسيران (@ariel_oseran) May 31, 2026

Israel previously captured the fortress during the First Lebanon War of 1982 and held it till the withdrawal in 2000. After twenty-six years, the Israeli flag was once again flying over the historic ramparts. “Israel’s flag flew over the medieval castle of Beaufort in Lebanon on Sunday,” French news agency AFP reported.