Israel issues more displacement orders in Lebanon, seizes strategic castle
Israel ordered residents south of Lebanon’s Zahrani River to leave as it expanded operations and seized Beaufort Castle near Nabatieh.
Intelligence analysis by GPT-5.4 Mini
Israel widened its ground offensive in southern Lebanon, ordering mass displacement south of the Zahrani River and taking Beaufort Castle near Nabatieh. The fighting comes as Hezbollah keeps attacking Israeli forces and U.S.-backed peace talks continue.
Israel told many people in southern Lebanon to leave their homes and move farther north. It also took control of an old castle on a hill that helps watch over the area.
The fighting is part of a bigger struggle with Hezbollah, which keeps attacking Israeli forces too. That means both sides are hitting each other while people nearby are caught in the middle, like being stuck between two kids throwing rocks in a yard.
At the same time, leaders are still talking about peace with help from the United States. But the article says the talks are happening while the fighting keeps getting worse, which makes peace much harder.
Analysis
Escalation in southern Lebanon
Israel ordered all residents south of the Zahrani River to leave immediately, warning that anyone who stayed could be killed. The order came as Israel expanded its invasion of Lebanon and appeared to prepare for a possible assault on Nabatieh, one of the biggest cities in the south.
Strategic gains and civilian pressure
The Israeli military also seized Beaufort Castle, a fortress on a hill near Nabatieh that has strategic value because of its position overlooking the area. Israel had controlled the site before, from 1982 until its withdrawal from Lebanon 18 years later. Defence Minister Israel Katz called the move a significant tactical victory and said the capture of Beaufort Ridge helps protect communities in northern Israel.
The offensive has now included more than 10 displacement orders in 24 hours, according to the report. Al Jazeera said Israeli troops are encircling Nabatieh, a city described as important to southern Lebanon’s economy and cultural life. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Israel of a “scorched-earth policy” and “collective punishment,” while Al Jazeera reporters described widespread destruction, ongoing demolitions and a humanitarian crisis.
A war still not settled
Despite Israel’s advances, Hezbollah continues to target Israeli forces. Israel said one soldier was killed in a Hezbollah drone attack the previous day, raising the total Israeli military deaths since March 2 to 25. The report also says Hezbollah has been using fibre-optic drones that are harder to jam or detect.
The fighting is unfolding alongside U.S.-facilitated talks between Israel and Lebanon, including a meeting at the Pentagon on Friday about the ceasefire that took effect in mid-April. The article says Israel has repeatedly violated that arrangement, while both sides still want Hezbollah disarmed.
Key points
- Israel ordered residents south of the Zahrani River to move north immediately.
- The Israeli military seized Beaufort Castle near Nabatieh, calling it a tactical gain.
- Hezbollah continued attacks, and Israel said one soldier was killed by a drone strike.
- Lebanon’s prime minister accused Israel of collective punishment and a scorched-earth policy.
- U.S.-facilitated peace talks are continuing even as the military campaign expands.
