Beaufort Castle – The Milli Chronicle

Israel Seizes Strategic Lebanon Hilltop Before U.S. Talks

NewsDesk MC — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:58:46 +0000

Beirut-Lebanon remains committed to negotiations with Israel and will not use force to disarm Hezbollah, a Lebanese official said on Monday, as Israel expanded military operations in southern Lebanon ahead of a new round of U.S.-backed talks in Washington.

The escalation follows Israel’s capture of the strategic Beaufort Castle position, raising concerns that military gains on the ground could strengthen its negotiating position.

Lebanese officials said Beirut had rejected Israeli calls for the Lebanese army to immediately disarm Hezbollah, warning such a move could trigger internal instability.

Lebanese military sources said control of Beaufort Castle could give Israeli forces greater surveillance and operational reach across parts of southern Lebanon.

The United Nations Security Council is expected to discuss the situation at an emergency meeting requested by France.

Castle Strikes Deepen Border Tensions

NewsDesk MC — Sat, 30 May 2026 15:11:38 +0000

Adloun-Israeli airstrikes and artillery shelling struck areas near the historic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon on Saturday as fighting intensified around villages near Nabatieh and Israel issued evacuation warnings for more than a dozen communities.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported strikes near the Crusader-era fortress, while the Lebanese army said a drone strike wounded two soldiers near Nabatieh. Israeli forces have advanced in several areas south of the Litani River despite an April ceasefire.

Hezbollah said it fired rockets toward Kiryat Shmona and Safed in northern Israel in response to Israeli attacks. Lebanese officials said they would step up diplomatic efforts to halt Israeli military operations and evacuations in southern Lebanon.

The latest escalation comes a day after Lebanese and Israeli military officials held direct talks in Washington.