The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the capture of a key mountain range in southern Lebanon, marking the deepest ground incursion into the country since 2000
This action represents a significant advance in military operations aimed at protecting Israeli communities near the border.
According to the Israeli army statement, troops took control of Beaufort Castle, a strategic position located near the city of Nabatieh.
This location is only about five kilometers (three miles) from Nabatieh, a major urban center considered a Hezbollah stronghold.
The operation is part of a larger effort to eliminate direct threats to localities in the Galilee region, including Metula.
In recent days, Israeli forces have crossed the Litani River and advanced further into the Lebanese interior, expanding their activities beyond their usual areas.
The main focus is to take control of the Beaufort Mountains and the Wadi al-Saluki region.
According to the IDF, the objective is to destroy important terrorist infrastructure built in the area with Iranian support.
These structures were used to launch hundreds of rockets against Israeli civilians and against the troops operating in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed armed group, resumed rocket and drone attacks against Israel in early March, following the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during the initial phases of Operation Roaring Lion.
In response, Israel intensified its air campaign against Hezbollah targets and expanded ground operations in southern Lebanon to prevent further cross-border attacks.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of breaking the fragile ceasefire that had been extended, stating that Israel will continue to act vigorously to ensure the safety of its citizens, soldiers, and communities.
44 “””? “””? “”? “””””? “? “”””””, “”””? “””””? “”””? “”””? “””? “”””? “””? “”””? “”””? “”””? “””? “? “””””? – “”””? “””? “””””? “”””? “””””, “”? “? “””? “””””? “””””? “””? “””? “? “”? “”””? “”? “”? “””””.
? “”””? “”? Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) May 31, 2026
“”””””? “”? “””””? “””””? “””””””””, “””? “”””? “? “””””? “”””””, “”? “”? pic.twitter.com/NjtlYSZqu4
This new operation is one of dozens carried out in recent weeks as part of the ongoing campaign against the terrorist group.
Israeli authorities emphasize that the actions are defensive and necessary to neutralize the danger posed by rocket launchers and other military installations hidden in high ground, from where it is possible to easily reach Israeli territory.
The advance demonstrates Israel’s determination not to allow Hezbollah to maintain positions that directly threaten the civilian population.
Experts note that control of ridges like Beaufort offers important tactical advantages, as it allows for better surveillance and hinders the movement of militants.
At the same time, the proximity to Nabatieh signals that Israeli forces are willing to pressure Hezbollah in more densely populated areas, where the group often operates among the civilian population.
This increases the complexity of the situation, as it requires precision to avoid unnecessary harm to Lebanese civilians while seeking to destroy enemy military capabilities.
The current conflict reflects years of tension on Israel’s northern border.
Since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent escalation with Hezbollah, thousands of rockets have been fired at Israel, forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents from border areas.
Israel, in turn, has responded with operations aimed at weakening the offensive capabilities of Hezbollah and its Iranian backers.
The capture of this mountain range represents an important milestone in this campaign, showing that Israeli forces are willing to go beyond traditional defensive measures when necessary.
For Israelis living near the border, this news brings a sense of temporary relief, as it reduces the immediate risk of attacks from elevated positions.
However, the conflict continues, with risks of escalation.
The international community is closely monitoring developments, concerned about the possibility of a wider war involving other regional actors.
Israel, however, reaffirms that its actions are guided by the need for self-defense and the protection of its citizens against existential threats.
This incursion reinforces Israel’s strategy of not tolerating the presence of terrorist infrastructure so close to its cities and villages.
While Hezbollah attempts to reorganize, Israeli defense forces continue operating with the goal of restoring security in the northern region of the country.
The near future will depend on how the Lebanese group and its allies react to this new advance, but one thing is certain: Israel does not intend to back down while the threat persists.
Published in 05/31/2026 19h43
Text adapted by AI (Grok) and translated via Google API in the English version. Images from public image libraries or credits in the caption.
Reference article: