Escalation in Lebanon as Israel captures Beaufort Castle and targets Beirut suburbs
Israel has intensified its military operations in southern Lebanon, officially announcing the capture of the historic Beaufort Castle, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as a decisive turning point. Following this, Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered strikes against Hezbollah targets in the Dahiyeh district of Beirut, citing ongoing ceasefire violations. Reports from the Lebanese Health Ministry indicate that an Israeli strike in Deir Zahrani killed eight people, including three women, and injured 19 others, though other sources suggest varying death tolls across different locations. Tensions remain high as Israeli forces advance toward the Zahrani River, having already crossed the Litani River. Diplomatic efforts are underway, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio initiating calls to regional leaders and the UN Security Council convening an emergency session to address the situation. Iran has linked any potential deal with the United States to a ceasefire in Lebanon. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an immediate end to hostilities, emphasizing the importance of restoring Lebanese state sovereignty.