BEIRUT — Israeli forces crossed north of Lebanon’s Litani River on Sunday and seized the medieval Beaufort Castle — the deepest advance since the 2006 war — after fierce fighting with Hezbollah fighters who had held the strategic hilltop for decades.
Hezbollah confirmed intense combat in the area but did not immediately confirm the castle’s fall. Lebanon’s army called the seizure “a dangerous violation of Lebanese sovereignty” and lodged a formal protest with UNIFIL, demanding the occupiers withdraw immediately. Israel said the operation was aimed at “eliminating terrorist infrastructure” and securing its northern border.
Hezbollah responded with a barrage of more than 180 rockets and armed drones targeting Haifa and Galilee’s main population centers. At least 12 people were injured. Israel’s Iron Dome intercepted most incoming projectiles but several landed in built-up areas, sparking fires and panic across the northern city. Israel’s military said it was assessing the full extent of the damage.
France and Germany demanded an immediate halt to the offensive, with Berlin summoning Israel’s ambassador. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking in Baghdad, said Tehran would “consider all options” if the offensive continued, without elaborating. The UN Security Council was expected to vote on an emergency resolution by Monday morning calling for a 72-hour ceasefire.
Oil prices rose more than 2 percent in early trading on Monday as markets reacted to the escalation. Brent crude hit $108.30 a barrel — the highest since the Hormuz Strait crisis began. Analysts warned the offensive could further disrupt energy supplies across the eastern Mediterranean.