Tel Aviv, May 31: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has welcomed the Israeli army’s capture of the historic Beaufort Castle and its surrounding strategic hill in southern Lebanon, calling it a “significant shift” in Israel’s policy. This statement comes as the Israeli military expands its ground operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
In a video message released by his office, Netanyahu stated, “The capture of Beaufort is a crucial phase and a major change in our policy. I have now instructed that our hold on areas previously controlled by Hezbollah be strengthened and broadened.”
Netanyahu reminded that the capture of Beaufort during the 1982 Lebanon War had caused deep divisions within Israeli society. Israel maintained control over southern Lebanon during its 18-year occupation (1982–2000) but withdrew its forces in 2000.
He added, “Today we have returned to Beaufort in a different manner. We have returned united, with determination, and stronger than ever before. We have broken the wall of fear. The initiative is now in our hands. We are acting on all fronts, including Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon. To ensure the safety of our communities, we have established security zones beyond our borders.”
Netanyahu claimed that since the Hamas attack in October 2023, Israel has killed 8,000 Hezbollah fighters. According to him, 3,000 of these fighters were killed following the war that began against Iran last year, while 700 were killed just last month.
He concluded, “It will take time, but we will complete our mission.” Netanyahu noted that since the ceasefire declared in mid-April between Israel and Lebanon, 13 Israeli citizens and soldiers have lost their lives.
Leave a Comment