Israeli forces say they have captured the strategic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon as part of an expanded ground offensive against Hezbollah.

Axar.az reports, citing Times of Israel, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the operation aims to strengthen control in southern Lebanon and push back threats toward northern Israeli border communities.

According to the IDF, soldiers crossed near the Litani River and moved toward the Crusader-era fortress, which overlooks areas in both northern Israel and southern Lebanon. The army said the wider operation also extends to additional locations north of the river.

The IDF said the area contains significant Hezbollah infrastructure, which it claims was developed with Iranian support and used to coordinate attacks and rocket fire into Israel. It added that hundreds of rockets have been launched from the region in recent months.