By Jean-René Belliard

Israeli forces have seized the strategic position of Beaufort Castle, a Crusader-era fortress located in southern Lebanon. The site overlooks the entire surrounding region, including northern Israel.

The capture of Beaufort Castle means that the city of Nabatieh and the Zahrani region are now significantly more exposed to Israeli military surveillance and operations.

The occupation of the fortress is the result of the Israeli military operation conducted in the “Beaufort Hills” and the “Saluki Valley” areas of southern Lebanon. The objective of the operation is to dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure and eliminate militants considered a direct threat to Israeli civilian populations in the Galilee Panhandle and the town of Metula, while strengthening Israel’s operational control in southern Lebanon.

For years, Hezbollah used the Beaufort position to direct military and combat activities. Now that the Israeli army controls the site, it can monitor and strike projectile-launching infrastructure throughout the region.

A Strategic Position Since 1976

In 1976, following the collapse of security in southern Lebanon as a result of the Lebanese Civil War, Palestinian organizations expanded their presence and transformed the fortress of Shaqif, known internationally as Beaufort Castle, into a forward military position overlooking much of the former “security zone” in southern Lebanon as well as large parts of northern Israel.

From the fortress, various targets could be reached using a range of weapons systems. As a result, the site became a regular target of both the Israeli military and the South Lebanon Army, led by Saad Haddad. Repeated shelling and air raids caused extensive damage to parts of the fortress.

On June 6, 1982, at the beginning of Israel’s invasion of Lebanon, Beaufort Castle came under heavy artillery and aerial bombardment before being assaulted by Israeli forces around 4 p.m. The battle continued until 6 a.m. on June 7. The Israeli Golani Brigade suffered six fatalities and several wounded, while the entire Palestinian garrison of approximately thirty fighters was killed.

The Israeli flag was subsequently raised over the fortress in the presence of then Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Defense Minister Ariel Sharon. Saad Haddad, commander of the South Lebanon Army, also raised the Lebanese flag above the site.

For the next eighteen years, Beaufort Castle was transformed into an Israeli military installation. Additional fortifications and structures were built before being destroyed during Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon in May 2000.

Israeli Army Orders Evacuation South of the Zahrani River

“Urgent warning to residents of southern Lebanon, especially all residents located south of the Zahrani River. In light of Hezbollah’s violations of the ceasefire agreement and its attacks against Israel’s civilian population, the Israel Defense Forces are compelled to act forcefully against the organization, particularly in your areas. The IDF does not intend to harm civilians. For your safety, all residents south of the Zahrani River, as indicated on the map, must immediately evacuate their homes,” the Israeli military announced.

“Anyone located near Hezbollah operatives, facilities, or combat assets is putting their life at risk. Any building used by Hezbollah for military purposes may become a target.”

Before advancing northward, Israeli aircraft carried out large-scale airstrikes, supported by artillery and tank fire targeting Hezbollah infrastructure. Ground forces then conducted search-and-destroy operations against Hezbollah positions while engineering units prepared the conditions necessary for the assault.

Israeli forces are currently operating near the city of Nabatieh, one of Hezbollah’s main strongholds in southern Lebanon, and remain prepared to expand the scope of the offensive if necessary.

Hezbollah Continues Rocket Attacks Against Israel

Meanwhile, Hezbollah launched approximately twenty-four rockets and several drones from Lebanon toward northern Israel after midnight, triggering nineteen “Red Alert” warnings across the north. It was one of the largest Hezbollah attacks in recent weeks.

Most projectiles were intercepted or landed in open areas without causing casualties. One rocket struck a shopping center in the city of Kiryat Shmona overnight, causing property damage. Additional civilian infrastructure was damaged by shrapnel.

Several Hezbollah-affiliated rockets also landed in the eastern Mediterranean near the city of Nahariya, close to beachgoers.

In response, Israel’s Home Front Command tightened security restrictions throughout northern Israel. Schools along the Lebanese border were ordered closed, while educational activities in parts of Upper Galilee and northern Golan were restricted to protected shelters. Public gatherings were limited, beaches were closed, and workplaces were instructed to suspend activities unless adequate shelters were available.

The deteriorating security situation has prompted approximately 2,500 residents to leave Kiryat Shmona, while the city’s mayor announced the suspension of classes following consultations with national authorities.

No Progress in Negotiations

At the same time, no progress has been reported in the Israeli-Lebanese negotiations taking place in Washington.

The negotiations, pushed by the United States in an effort to remove the Lebanese file from the influence of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, have stalled because the Lebanese government effectively has little to negotiate. It no longer exercises full control over significant portions of its territory, whether in the south or in the Bekaa Valley, nor does it have authority over the weapons required to enforce a ceasefire.

Now that Israel has entered what many describe as the Lebanese quagmire, it may be compelled to push further.

The next objective could be Jezzine. By taking control of Jezzine, the Israeli army would cut Hezbollah’s supply lines from the Bekaa Valley, isolate its forces around Beirut, and establish connections through less hostile areas of Mount Lebanon toward Akkar in the north.

Israel would then find itself in a significantly stronger position should negotiations in Washington continue.