Israeli troops have captured the strategic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, the military announced Sunday. This latest move represents Israel's most sweeping invasion of Lebanon in decades, coming amid escalating conflict with Hezbollah that has displaced over one million Lebanese people. Netanyahu hailed the conquest as a "dramatic step" in advancing Israeli forces.

The fortress carries bitter historical significance for both nations, having symbolized Israel's nearly two-decade occupation of southern Lebanon until 2000. Military experts suggest the capture reflects Israel's potential return to a long-term "security belt" in Lebanon, despite Hezbollah continuing rocket and drone attacks against Israeli forces and cities.

The fighting complicates ongoing efforts to end the war between Israel/US and Iran, which demanded a Hezbollah-Israel cease-fire as part of negotiations. Israeli strikes have killed more than 3,000 people since the conflict began, while Hezbollah has killed roughly a dozen Israeli soldiers since April's nominal truce collapsed.