Israeli army captures strategic castle in Lebanon in deepest incursion into country in 26 years

Beaufort castle, a strategic Crusader-era fortress perched on a mountain near Nabatieh, was captured by Israeli troops, marking the deepest incursion into Lebanon in 26 years. The operation followed days of airstrikes and intense fighting with Hezbollah militants, as Israel's ground push advanced through southern Lebanon and dozens of nearby villages were seized. The war began March 2, with Hezbollah rockets and drones targeting Israeli positions. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Lebanese President Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to propose a fresh path to negotiations, while French Foreign Minister Barrot requested an emergency UN Security Council meeting. Israeli photos showed troops outside Beaufort, and Defense Minister Katz said the castle was raised with an Israeli flag.