Qalaat al-Chakif UNESCO Castle Seized as Israel Pushes Deeper Into Lebanon

QLAYAA – (Web Desk) – Israel has taken control of the ancient Qalaat al-Chakif UNESCO-recognized Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, marking what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called a major turning point in the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.

The historic hilltop fortress, perched 300 metres above the Litani River, has deep roots going back to 1137 AD. It was first built by the King of Jerusalem and later expanded by the Ayyubids and Mamluks. Today, it sits at the centre of a very modern and deadly conflict.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed troops had raised the Israeli flag over the castle, noting it was the first time since Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon back in 2000.

Netanyahu wasted no time in making his intentions clear. In a video message, he said his next step is to “deepen and expand” Israel’s hold over areas previously controlled by Hezbollah.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council held an emergency session on Monday after France formally requested a meeting over Israel’s growing military offensive in Lebanon.

On the ground, the human cost is rising. Civilians displaced from Nabatieh told reporters they are living in shelters in Sidon, with many saying their homes are too damaged to return to. One resident simply said, “We will return — if not today, then tomorrow.”

Hezbollah continued to target northern Israeli towns including Shlomi and Nahariya, while Israel carried out fresh strikes near a hospital in Tyre, leaving 13 medical staff injured.

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Israel of a scorched-earth approach, calling for an immediate halt to the fighting. Security delegations from both sides met in Washington last week, with more talks expected soon.

A truce agreed on April 17 technically remains in place, but both sides accuse each other of breaking it every single day.