Sifte Radio

Tag: Tyre Lebanon

  • Israel Captures Beaufort Castle as Military Expands Ground Offensive in Southern Lebanon

    Israel Captures Beaufort Castle as Military Expands Ground Offensive in Southern Lebanon

    Israel has intensified its military campaign in southern Lebanon, announcing the capture of the historic Beaufort Castle while expanding evacuation orders and ground operations against Hezbollah.

    The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a renewed warning for residents south of the Zahrani River to evacuate immediately, stating that anyone near Hezbollah personnel, facilities, or military assets could be at risk.

    According to Israeli military officials, a significant number of ground troops are participating in the operation, which is now expanding beyond previously established operational zones. The move signals a deeper Israeli advance into Lebanese territory, extending beyond the Litani River, a longstanding reference point in conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah.

    A major development in the campaign came with the capture of Beaufort Castle, a centuries-old fortress perched on a strategic ridge overlooking the Litani River. Originally constructed by Crusaders nearly 900 years ago, the castle has played a key role in multiple regional conflicts due to its commanding position and extensive views across southern Lebanon.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the seizure of the fortress as a significant turning point in Israel’s military strategy.

    Speaking after the operation, Netanyahu said the capture represented a dramatic change in policy and demonstrated Israel’s willingness to take the initiative across multiple fronts, including Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria.

    Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz highlighted the symbolic importance of the site, noting that Israeli forces had previously fought for control of Beaufort Castle more than four decades ago. He said members of the Golani Brigade had once again raised the Israeli flag over the fortress.

    Israeli officials argue that securing the castle and surrounding high ground strengthens protection for communities in northern Israel that have faced increasing missile and drone attacks launched by Hezbollah.

    Israel says its expanded military operations are a response to intensified attacks by the Iranian-backed group, including missile and explosive drone strikes targeting both Israeli military positions and civilian communities near the border.

    Meanwhile, Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that an Israeli airstrike near Hiram Hospital in the city of Tyre injured 13 hospital staff members and caused significant damage to the surrounding area.

    The escalation has drawn international concern. France has requested a meeting of the United Nations Security Council to discuss the situation in Lebanon.

    French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot criticized Israel’s actions, calling the continued military expansion a major mistake and arguing that there is no justification for prolonging operations or deepening Israel’s presence inside Lebanese territory.

    The fighting continues amid growing regional tensions. Israeli authorities confirmed the death of another soldier, while schools in several northern Israeli communities remained closed as a precaution against further attacks.

    Hezbollah reportedly launched approximately 25 projectiles toward northern Israel on Saturday, adding to pressure on the Israeli government to improve security measures for border residents.

    The capture of Beaufort Castle marks one of the most symbolically significant gains for Israel since the latest escalation began, while also underscoring the growing risk of a broader and more prolonged conflict along the Israel-Lebanon border.

  • Lebanon Death Toll Surpasses 3,000 as Israel-Hezbollah Conflict Escalates Amid Fragile Ceasefire

    Lebanon Death Toll Surpasses 3,000 as Israel-Hezbollah Conflict Escalates Amid Fragile Ceasefire

    Lebanon Death Toll Surpasses 3,000 as Israel-Hezbollah Conflict Escalates Amid Fragile Ceasefire

    The death toll in Lebanon has climbed past 3,000 as fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group continues despite an ongoing ceasefire and diplomatic negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.

    Lebanon’s Health Ministry announced Monday that at least 3,020 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes since the latest round of violence erupted on March 2. Among the dead are 292 women and 211 children, highlighting the growing humanitarian crisis unfolding across the country.

    The conflict intensified after Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel following joint U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this year. Since then, cross-border violence has expanded into a broader military confrontation, with Israel carrying out heavy bombardments across southern Lebanon, Beirut, and other regions.

    Israeli officials say the military campaign is focused on preventing Hezbollah from rebuilding its military capabilities and rearming. Israeli forces continue to occupy large areas of southern Lebanon while targeting suspected Hezbollah positions.

    The ongoing fighting has displaced more than one million people across Lebanon. Thousands of families have been forced to seek shelter in makeshift camps, tents, and crowded public areas, particularly along roadsides and coastal zones in Beirut.

    Despite a ceasefire agreement brokered during talks in Washington that began on April 17, attacks from both sides have continued almost daily. The truce was recently extended by another 45 days, and both countries are expected to send military delegations for direct talks scheduled for May 29.

    However, Hezbollah has rejected participation in the negotiations and continues to oppose normalization efforts between Lebanon and Israel. The militant group remains closely aligned with Iran, which is also engaged in separate negotiations with the United States through Pakistani mediation.

    On Monday, the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings to residents in several towns near the southern Lebanese city of Tyre ahead of planned airstrikes. In another deadly development, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group confirmed that one of its officials and his daughter were killed in an Israeli strike in the city of Baalbek near the Syrian border.

    Israeli leaders have described the talks as a potential step toward broader diplomatic relations with Lebanon, while Lebanese officials insist they are only seeking a security agreement that would ensure Israeli troop withdrawals without formal normalization.

    U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly encouraged a meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, though Aoun has reportedly declined direct talks for now amid growing domestic tensions and protests inside Lebanon.

    The conflict has also taken a toll on Israeli forces and civilians. Since the fighting began, at least 20 Israeli soldiers, two civilians, and a defense contractor working in southern Lebanon have been killed. United Nations peacekeepers stationed in southern Lebanon have also suffered casualties, with six personnel reported dead after being caught in the crossfire.