Lebanon and Israel reached a temporary ceasefire on April 17th, and the ceasefire was extended several times. However, Israel did not stop its military attacks against Lebanon; instead, it expanded its ground operations within Lebanon.
According to a report by Reuters on May 31, the Israel Defense Forces announced the occupation of Fort Fort Castle, a strategic location in southern Lebanon. This marked the first time in 26 years that Israel had expanded its control over southern Lebanon. Israels Defense Minister Katz stated that Israel will continue its military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, and will establish what he called a security zone in southern Lebanon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a statement that he had instructed the Israel Defense Forces to expand their ground operations. Israels goal is to strengthen its control over areas controlled by Hezbollah in Lebanon. This offensive represents a critical stage, as well as a significant shift in Israeli policy.
Israeli Defense Minister Katz said that Israeli forces have crossed the Litani River and seized Fort Bouton, located in southern Lebanon. The Israeli flag rises once again on the highlands overlooking the Galilee region. He declared, This battle is not over yet. We are determined to completely destroy the main forces of Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Katz posted a photo on social media, showing Israeli flags on the Fort Fort Castle, as well as flags of the Israel Defense Forces Golan Brigade. He added that Israeli troops will be stationed at Fort Fort Castle, making it part of what he called the Southern Lebanon Security Zone.
Israeli Defense Minister Katz posted a photo on social media platform X.
Bofford Castle is located on the Litani River in southern Lebanon. Also known as Sheikh Fawqar Fortress, it has a history of over 900 years. In the 12th century, Crusaders and the Egyptian Ayyubid Sultan Saladin fought over this castle. During the Lebanese War in 1982, Israeli forces occupied Bofford Castle. They maintained control over this strategic location for 18 years, until they withdrew in 2000.
Reuters noted that this is the first time in 2,000 years that Israeli forces have taken control of Fort Bofort since Israel completely withdrew from southern Lebanon in May 2000. By controlling this castle, the Israelis will gain a commanding position from which they can oversee most of southern Lebanon and northern Israel.
The Israeli military stated that the focus of this new offensive is to control the Bofort Ridge and Saluki River areas in southern Lebanon, thereby weakening the military forces and infrastructure of Hezbollah in Lebanon.
UNESCO expressed shock over Israels military actions. Last week, the organization warned that Bofort Castle currently enjoys temporary protection status. Such sites should be protected under strict legal provisions to ensure they are safe from attacks or use for military purposes.
According to NBC, since the military conflicts between Lebanon and Israel began, most areas south of the Litani River have been under Israeli control. In fact, this river has become a border between the two countries. Now, when Israeli troops cross the Litani River and take control of Fort Fort Ridge, it marks a major escalation in the conflict.
Israeli Defense Forces have taken control of Fort Bofort. The yellow area indicates the regions in southern Lebanon that are claimed to be under Israeli control.
Some Israeli politicians have openly advocated for permanent occupation of southern Lebanon, which has further raised concerns among the international community. For example, Israels far-right finance minister, Betsalel Shomtrel, posted a message on social media, stating that occupying Bofort Ridge was a way to correct the countrys past mistakes. He called for Israel to maintain permanent control over this region.
Regarding the latest actions of the Israeli military, the Lebanese government and Hezbollah have not commented yet.
Lebanese Parliament Hezbollah member Hassan Fadlallah called on Lebanese people to unite against Israels military invasion. He said, Israels escalating actions indicate that the Lebanese governments strategy of direct negotiations has failed. The government needs to reconsider its plans and return to a path of national unity, seeking solutions to protect the country with the cooperation of everyone.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on May 31, stating that due to the escalating conflict in Lebanon, France has requested that the United Nations Security Council hold an emergency meeting on June 1, local time.
Lebanon and Israel have previously announced a temporary ceasefire, but in reality, the conflict has not stopped. Thomas Pike, a spokesman for the U.S. State Department, said last month that under the mediation of the U.S. State Department, representatives from the governments of Lebanon and Israel will hold another meeting on June 2nd and 3rd.
The Lebanese government estimates that since the conflict began on March 2nd, Israeli military strikes have resulted in the death of over 3,370 people in Lebanon. Israel claims that this conflict has caused the death of 24 Israeli soldiers and 4 civilians.
