Israel captures Crusader-era Beaufort fortress in Lebanon

Israeli forces have captured the 900-year-old Beaufort fortress in southern Lebanon, a relic of the Crusades, and raised the Israeli flag there. European nations have expressed serious concern over the expansion of Israel's military operations in Lebanon.

The Israeli military has captured the historic Beaufort fortress in southern Lebanon, a relic from the Crusader period dating back approximately 900 years. The Israeli national flag was hoisted on the fortress tower, sending a clear signal of the country's military ambitions on Lebanese territory.

European nations have reacted with concern to the expansion of Israel's military operations and are calling for a halt to military activities in southern Lebanon. European leaders emphasize that further escalation of the situation threatens civilians and destabilizes the entire region.

Beaufort fortress has repeatedly played a strategic role throughout the region's history — it has been controlled by various forces over the centuries, including the Palestine Liberation Organization and later Hezbollah. The arrival of Israeli forces at the fortress marks a significant shift in the balance of power in southern Lebanon.