Israel Advances Deeper into Southern Lebanon; UN Security Council Convenes Emergency Meeting

Beirut: Israeli forces have advanced further into southern Lebanon, capturing the historic Beaufort Castle and the strategically important hilltop on which it stands, in a significant escalation of military operations targeting the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

The development has prompted an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, scheduled for today following growing international concern over the widening conflict.

France and Germany Condemn Israeli Advance

The emergency session was requested by France, which accused Israel of violating international law by advancing beyond the Litani River area, a key reference point in previous ceasefire arrangements.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that there was no justification for the territorial advance and stressed the need for a swift diplomatic agreement involving the United States and Iran to prevent further escalation.

Macron also held discussions with regional leaders, including Mohammed bin Salman, Haitham bin Tariq, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, as part of diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis.

France reiterated its support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also condemned the military incursion and called on all parties to halt hostilities immediately.

Deepest Israeli Advance in Lebanon in 25 Years

According to Israeli officials, the operation marks the deepest Israeli military advance into Lebanon in approximately a quarter of a century.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that troops had secured Beaufort Castle and raised the Israeli flag at the site. The fortress occupies a commanding position overlooking large areas of southern Lebanon and is regarded as a significant strategic location.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the capture as a major turning point in the military campaign, while military spokesman Avichay Adraee said operations could be expanded further inland if required.

Israeli forces have also intensified operations around Nabatieh and the Suluki Valley, areas Israel describes as Hezbollah strongholds. Reports indicate that troops have advanced to within several kilometres of Nabatieh.

Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces had crossed the Litani River, a boundary referenced in previous ceasefire agreements.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Israel of carrying out what he described as collective punishment against Lebanese communities.

Historic Significance of Beaufort Castle

Known locally as Qalat al-Shaqif, Beaufort Castle was originally built by Crusaders during the 12th century and has played a prominent role in regional conflicts for centuries.

The fortress was captured by the forces of Saladin in 1190 and subsequently changed hands multiple times between rival powers. Israel previously occupied the castle following its 1982 invasion of Lebanon and maintained control of the site until withdrawing from southern Lebanon in 2000.

Ceasefire Remains Fragile

Although a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah officially came into effect earlier this year, both sides have repeatedly accused each other of violating its terms.

Recent diplomatic discussions involving the United States and Lebanon have failed to produce a lasting framework for peace, while Hezbollah maintains that its actions were carried out in response to regional developments involving Iran and Israel.

Iran has continued to insist that any broader agreement aimed at ending conflict in the Middle East must also address the situation in Lebanon.

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