Update: US Sec. Of State Rubio is reportedly pressing for a ceasefire amid significant Israeli battlefield gains. The more things change, the more we see can grasp the trends which are characteristically constant.
Peloni: The Israeli flag once again flies atop Beaufort castle. This 900 year old Crusader structure stands atop the strategically situated mountain overlook from which Hezbollah attacks were coordinated against northern Israel following the Israeli withdrawal abandoned this key structure back in 2000. Shortly after the success of the capture of this ancient fortress, the French called for a meeting of the UN Security Council regarding Lebanon. Meanwhile Channel 14 is reporting that major attacks across Lebanon will be taking place within 24 hours while coordinated with the US. See Netanyahu’s comments at bottom. Ben Gvir is calling for the flattening of the Hezbollah stronghold at Dahieh in southern Lebanon, but this is expressly contrary to agreements between Israel and the US at this point outside of specific targeted attacks, so don’t look for any such flattening strikes to happen.
and | All Israel News | Published: May 31, 2026
IDF forces on the Beaufort Ridge in southern Lebanon, May 31, 2026. (Photo: IDF)
IDF troops captured the Beaufort Ridge in southern Lebanon on Sunday morning, the IDF announced.
The IDF spokesperson also noted that the operation, which includes the Saluki River basin, aims to destroy infrastructure, eliminate terrorists, and remove the threat to the Galilee Panhandle and the northern town of Metula.
“The activity began a few days ago, during which extensive ground forces, including the Golani Brigade, the 7th Brigade, the Givati Brigade, the Fire Brigade, and the Multidimensional Unit, operating under the command of the 36th Division and guided by IDF Military Intelligence, began offensive operations to expand the forward defensive line,” the IDF said.
The IDF further stated, “The operation is focused on establishing operational control of the Beaufort Ridge and the Wadi al-Saluki area, as well as degrading the Hezbollah terrorist organization and dismantling terrorist infrastructure that was established on the ridge under Iranian direction. From Beaufort Ridge, Hezbollah terrorists managed military and combat activities and carried out numerous attacks. In addition, IDF soldiers are operating against launch infrastructure in the area, from which hundreds of projectiles were launched toward Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers.”
An IDF official noted that during the capture of Beaufort, there were several clashes. The operation was accompanied by air and ground support, as well as a high degree of tactical deception. Routes were breached across the Litani River, and forces climbed the ridge from the west rather than from the east, as had been done in the past.
On Saturday, a Kan News report revealed that the ground maneuver in southern Lebanon is intensifying. The special operation, which had been in planning for more than a year, also included activities north of the Litani River.
As part of the operation, the IDF captured territory, established at least five bridges over the Litani, and breached routes using combat engineering forces through the dense Lebanese brush and complex rocky areas. These routes enabled the crossing of large forces to the other side of the river.
The goal of the operation is to remove a direct threat of anti-tank missile fire toward the communities of the Galilee Panhandle, and particularly toward Metula, since the area into which IDF forces are moving overlooks the town in both line of sight and firepower.
The IDF originally planned to conduct the operation two months earlier with the 98th Division. However, after troops encountered Hezbollah ambushes, Northern Command commander Maj.-Gen. Ori Gordin canceled the mission and transferred responsibility to the 36th Division, which replanned the operation.
During the early stages of the current ground operation, Israeli troops engaged in several clashes with Hezbollah terrorists, resulting in the deaths of two IDF soldiers and injuries to others.
However, in recent days, according to reports in Lebanon, IDF forces have reached the ridgeline in the areas of Yohmor, the Beaufort Fortress, and the Zoutar region. This is also why the IDF ordered Lebanese residents this week to evacuate the city of Nabatieh and nearby villages.
According to the IDF, the area north of the Litani contains significant Hezbollah centers of gravity, used by the Badr Unit, from which rockets and explosive drones are launched.
PM Netanyahu addresses the capture of Beaufort Bridge:
“Last night, our heroic fighters captured the Beaufort castle. They proudly raised the flag of the State of Israel and the flag of the Golani Brigade there.
I remind you that 44 years ago, this place was a symbol of a heroic battle by our fighters, but it was also a symbol of deep division among us.
Today, we returned to Beaufort differently. We returned united, determined, and stronger than ever. I spoke with the fighters on the northern border on Friday. They told me: ‘Tell the people of Israel what we are doing here. Prime Minister, the public doesn’t know what achievements we have made.’
Well, since the beginning of the War of Redemption we have eliminated 8,000 Hezbollah terrorists. Since Operation Roaring Lion – 3,000. In the past month alone – 700. This is more than everyone we eliminated during the Second Lebanon War.
I have instructed the IDF to expand the incursion in Lebanon. Our forces have crossed the Litani River. They took dominant terrain. They captured the Beaufort ridge. And now my instruction is to deepen and expand our hold on places that were under Hezbollah’s control.
The capture of Beaufort is a dramatic stage and a dramatic change in the policy we are leading. We have broken the barrier of fear. We are taking the initiative, we are operating on all fronts – in Syria, in Gaza, in Lebanon; we have established security zones beyond our borders to protect our communities.
On Friday, I spoke with the brigade commanders. They are daring brigade commanders, inside the territory, leading the heroic soldiers. And they told me: ‘Prime Minister, we are carrying out the mission. We are charging forward – and Hezbollah is fleeing for its life.’ And I told them: ‘I am with you. The entire nation of Israel is with you. It will take more time, but we will restore security to the residents of the North, just as we did for the residents of the South.’
It will take time, but we will complete the mission.”
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