Nabatieh, Lebanon. A small group of journalists received wartime access to Beaufort Castle, a strategic Crusader-era fortress overlooking southern Lebanon and Israel’s northern border. Israeli forces captured the site on May 31, marking the first IDF presence there since Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon in 2000.
Strategic location
The castle stands about 700 meters above the Litani River near Nabatieh and overlooks roads through southern Lebanon, approaches to the Israeli border, and territory extending toward Metula and the Galilee.
Although Beaufort is about five kilometers from the Israeli border, the journey to the site took about 90 minutes by a convoy of five military vehicles through steep terrain. The approach was accessible only to military vehicles.
From the fortress, the Litani Valley, routes linking the border area to Lebanon’s interior, and Metula, Israel’s northernmost town, are visible.
Military claims
Soldiers from different units spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity under military protocols.
The IDF said Hezbollah used the Beaufort Ridge as an observation and launch area during attacks on northern Israel. According to the military, Hezbollah fired more than 400 rockets and missiles from the area last March, primarily toward Metula.
Underground complex
About one kilometer south of the castle, the IDF said it uncovered an underground military complex built by Hezbollah over 10 to 15 years with direct Iranian assistance. The military said it had found four other similar structures in southern Lebanon.
An officer from the IDF’s Yahalom combat engineering unit said the facility was intended to support rocket and missile attacks against Israel and provide protected defensive positions for Hezbollah personnel during an Israeli ground advance.
Beaufort Castle is on UNESCO’s Tentative List for potential future World Heritage status.
