Israel says it seized Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, a major advance beyond the Litani River

Israeli forces say they have captured the historic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon amid an expanded ground offensive against Hezbollah. The 12th-century UNESCO-listed fortress near Nabatieh overlooks the Litani River and is considered a major strategic military position. Israel's military has advanced beyond Lebanon's Litani River for the first time since 2006, marking a significant escalation in its ground operations. Israeli flags were raised at the site, which Israel previously occupied for 18 years before withdrawing in 2000. Strikes in and around Nabatieh have killed a paramedic and damaged a hospital, while thousands of civilians have fled Marjayoun. Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Israel of carrying out “collective punishment” and a scorched-earth campaign. Israeli officials including Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir have described the capture as a strategic and symbolic victory. Tensions continue alongside stalled ceasefire negotiations, with Israel insisting on continued military pressure and Hezbollah disarmament demands.

Al Jazeera's Obaida Hito reports from Tyre, Lebanon, and Nida Ibrahim from Ramallah, occupied West Bank.

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