Israel Seizes Historic Beaufort Castle in South Lebanon as Conflict with Hezbollah Escalates

Jun 1, 2026

Israel seized the historic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon and ordered new strikes on Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut's southern suburbs, calling it a response to ceasefire violations. The actions prompted thousands of civilians to flee Beirut. The castle's capture is a strategic and symbolic victory for Israel, evoking memories of its 1982-2000 occupation. The escalation complicates US mediation efforts and Iran's insistence that any regional ceasefire must include Lebanon.

Beirut southern suburbs strikes

▪The Israeli military ordered residents of Dahieh to evacuate for their own safety, leading to thousands fleeing the area.
▪Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that if there is no calm in northern Israel, "there will be no calm in Beirut."
▪Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered attacks on "terror targets" in the Hezbollah stronghold of Dahieh, in Beirut's southern suburbs.

Hezbollah cross-border attacks

▪Hezbollah claimed responsibility for targeting Israeli forces in Yahmar al-Shaqif and launching missiles at military infrastructure in Tiberias.
▪Hezbollah stated it had no military presence in Beaufort Castle when Israeli troops entered.
▪The current conflict began on March 2, when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel after an Israeli strike killed Iran's supreme leader.
▪Israel's actions are a stated response to Hezbollah's rocket and drone attacks and "repeated and ongoing violations of the ceasefire."

Beaufort Castle Israeli seizure

▪The capture of the castle is considered a psychological blow for many Lebanese, evoking memories of the 1982-2000 occupation.
▪The capture of Beaufort Castle is viewed by Israeli officials as a significant symbolic and strategic victory.
▪Beaufort Castle provides a commanding view across southern Lebanon and into Israel's Galilee region.
▪Israel previously held the fortress throughout its 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon from 1982 to 2000.
▪The castle, a UNESCO-registered cultural site, was previously used as a base by the Palestine Liberation Organisation in the 1970s.
▪On Sunday, Israeli forces captured the 900-year-old Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon.

US mediation efforts

▪The US plan suggested Hezbollah stop its attacks in return for Israel refraining from escalation in Beirut.
▪US Secretary of State Marco Rubio proposed a "gradual de-escalation" plan to Israeli and Lebanese leaders.
▪A senior Lebanese official stated the government is relying on US mediation to pressure Israel to prevent further civilian casualties.

Iran ceasefire linkage

▪Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a ceasefire violation on one front is a violation on all fronts.

Lebanese civilian displacement

▪Since the start of the war, at least 3,433 people have been killed in Lebanon, according to the country's health ministry.
▪Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Israel of escalating the conflict and pursuing a "scorched-earth" policy.
▪Thousands of civilians fled Beirut's southern suburbs after Israel announced it would conduct strikes there.