Israeli troops captured a strategic mountain-top castle in southern Lebanon on Sunday, marking the military's deepest advance into the country in more than a quarter century. The Israeli Defense Forces took control of Beaufort Castle, a medieval Crusader-era fortress near Nabatiyeh, following airstrikes and ground clashes with Hezbollah militants in surrounding villages.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the seizure as a dramatic shift in Israel's approach and ordered forces to expand their operations. "Our heroic fighters captured the Beaufort outpost," Netanyahu said. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that troops would remain at the site as part of efforts to secure a buffer zone protecting northern Israeli communities.

The castle sits on a ridge overlooking key terrain and has long served as a Hezbollah observation and rocket-launching position. Its capture follows an escalation in the ongoing conflict that began in March 2026, with Israel conducting ground operations to degrade Hezbollah capabilities after repeated attacks on Israeli territory.

U.S. Secretary of State engaged Lebanese and Israeli officials to sustain diplomatic efforts amid the fighting. Reports indicate Israeli forces crossed the Litani River during the operation, pushing beyond previous limits of engagement.

Hezbollah has used southern Lebanon as a base for operations against Israel, embedding military infrastructure among civilian areas. The latest advance underscores Israel's determination to neutralize these threats at their source rather than relying solely on defensive measures.

The site holds historical significance, having changed hands multiple times over centuries, but its current value lies in its commanding views of the Galilee region and potential to disrupt militant supply lines.