Israel captures strategic Crusader-built castle in southern Lebanon

Lebanese authorities on May 28 decried Israeli attacks near UNESCO-protected historic sites and landmarks in the country’s south.

Forty-four years after Israel took Beaufort Ridge for the first time, Golani Brigade soldiers reconquer it and raise Israeli and Golani Brigade flags – on day of mourning for their fallen comrades.

The broadcasters released a photograph showing an Israeli flag atop the ancient fortress.

The capture of the Crusader-era Beaufort Castle, which sits atop a strategically important mountain near the Lebanese village of Arnoun, came after days of airstrikes and clashes between Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops and Hezbollah fighters.