German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has expressed “great concern” regarding the Israeli army’s advancement in southern Lebanon. He urged all parties involved in the conflict to immediately stop hostilities and adhere to a previously agreed ceasefire. Wadephul emphasized that while the Israeli military’s actions are in response to ongoing Hezbollah attacks on northern Israel, further escalation could worsen an already tense situation and lead to new waves of displacement within Lebanon.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that they had taken control of Beaufort Castle after entering the Beaufort Ridge and Wadi al-Saluki areas in southern Lebanon. The IDF’s operation aims to establish operational control over the Beaufort Ridge and the Wadi al-Saluki area while also degrading Hezbollah’s capabilities in the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the capture of Beaufort Castle was a significant moment, symbolizing unity and strength for Israel.
Netanyahu revealed that he had instructed the IDF to expand its presence in Lebanon, with forces crossing the Litani River and securing key terrain. Describing the capture of Beaufort as a pivotal development, Netanyahu highlighted it as a strategic shift in his government’s approach. The IDF reported that Hezbollah had been conducting military activities from the Beaufort Ridge, launching numerous attacks from the area.
