Israeli troops have captured a strategic mountain topped with a Crusader-built castle in southern Lebanon in the deepest incursion into the country in more than a quarter-century, the Israeli military stated. The operation marks Israel's deepest military advance into Lebanese territory in 26 years.
The captured structure is a 12th-century hilltop fortress dating from the Crusades era. Israeli forces seized the clifftop castle as they expanded their ground offensive against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the capture of the strategic fortress as a "decisive shift" in Israel's military campaign against Hezbollah. The Israeli government has indicated that military operations will continue, with officials stating that Israel will go even deeper into Lebanon to fight Hezbollah.
The seizure of the Crusader-era castle comes as Netanyahu has ordered an expanded offensive against Hezbollah. The Israeli military has characterized the mountain location as strategically important due to its elevated position.
According to reports, experts have assessed that the capture of the castle is largely symbolic in nature. However, the development complicates ongoing efforts to extend ceasefire negotiations between the United States and Iran.
The Israeli military operation represents a significant escalation in the conflict, with Israeli forces advancing further into southern Lebanon than at any point in the past 26 years. The mountainous terrain and the Crusader-built structure atop it have been described as providing strategic value for military positioning.
Israel's stated objective in the expanded offensive is to continue operations against Hezbollah. The capture of the hilltop fortress provides Israeli forces with an elevated position in southern Lebanon.
The operation follows Israel's broader military campaign in the region, with the seizure of the Crusader castle representing one component of the expanded ground offensive. Israeli military officials have confirmed the capture and the strategic nature of the location.
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