Original Source
Israel Captures Beaufort Castle in Southern Lebanon, Netanyahu Hints at Broader Control Over Hezbollah Areas
Israeli Ground Operation in Southern Lebanon
The Israeli military released footage showing Israeli forces entering the Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon and raising the Israeli flag over the weekend. The Israeli army stated that ground forces commenced military operations in the Beaufort Hill and Sharou areas to expand the forward defense line and seize the castle. The Beaufort Castle, built by Crusaders approximately 900 years ago, is a strategically vital high ground located about 17 km from the Israeli border, offering commanding views over much of southern Lebanon. Israel previously occupied the castle in 1982 before withdrawing in 2000. This operation marks the deepest military action in southern Lebanon by Israel in the past 26 years.
International Criticism and Iran-US Negotiations Update
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that after controlling Beaufort Hill, the next step would be to strengthen control over areas dominated by Hezbollah. He emphasized that the capture of Beaufort Hill represents a major shift in Israeli policy, and Israel would continue proactive measures on multiple fronts, including Judea, Gaza, and Lebanon. Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry strongly condemned Israel's actions, stating that the aggression violates international law and the UN Charter, urging the UN Security Council to halt the aggressive acts.
French President Emmanuel Macron posted on social media that stability in the Middle East must begin in Lebanon, where there is an urgent need for arms to fall silent. He criticized the major escalation in southern Lebanon as unjustified. Separately, US media reported that US President Donald Trump, following a formal meeting, made strict revisions to the sanctions waiver provisions related to the Iran nuclear deal and submitted them to Iran for consideration. Iranian sources indicated that both sides are still exchanging draft agreements, and Iran will propose amendments reflecting its position. An Iranian foreign ministry official stressed that any discussions regarding the progress of Iran-US negotiations are merely speculation at this stage, and no judgments should be made before definitive outcomes are achieved.
*Source: YouTube: RTHK (2026-06-01)*
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