The Israeli army announced the launch of a "broad operation in the Shqeif Heights and Wadi Salouqi area in Southern Lebanon."

Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee said on X that the Northern Command had launched an operation in the Shqeif Heights (Beaufort) and Wadi Salouqi area in Southern Lebanon aimed at destroying infrastructure and eliminating Hezbollah elements, as part of efforts to strengthen operational control in Southern Lebanon and remove what he described as a direct threat to the Galilee Panhandle and the town of Metula.

Israeli bombing in Southern Lebanon. (AFP)

He added that the operation began several days ago, with large ground forces, including the Golani Brigade, Brigade 7, the Givati Brigade, the Artillery Brigade, and the Multidimensional Unit, operating under Division 36 and guided by intelligence from the Military Intelligence Directorate. The forces began offensive operations to expand the frontline defense.

Adraee said that Chief of Staff General Eyal Zamir approved the operation and that organized combat readiness procedures were carried out, including fire preparations and pre-operational readiness led by the Northern Command.

According to him, the operation focuses on establishing control over the Shqeif Heights and Wadi Salouqi, deepening strikes against Hezbollah, and destroying key infrastructure built on the heights under Iranian guidance, which he said Hezbollah used for combat management and the implementation of numerous operational plans.

He stated that Israeli forces are operating against infrastructure in the area from which hundreds of launches were carried out against Israeli civilians and Israeli forces operating in Southern Lebanon.

He also indicated that Israeli forces crossed the Litani River and expanded their operations against Hezbollah north of the river, while activities are now extending into additional areas. Before the ground forces entered, the Israeli Air Force carried out intensive strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in the region under broad fire support that included artillery and tank shelling.

He added that the forces completed a series of significant strikes on command sites in the area and conducted sweeping operations to neutralize military infrastructure in the Litani region, along with engineering work to prepare for the offensive.

Adraee further stated: "We are operating around Nabatieh, which is one of Hezbollah's main centers of power in Southern Lebanon, and we are ready and prepared to expand the offensive as necessary." He added that the operation is part of dozens of activities carried out by Israeli forces in recent weeks as part of ongoing targeted operations against Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon.

In another post, the Israeli army spokesman said: "Between the promises of slogans and the reality on the ground... here lies the undeniable truth. Our soldiers, standing atop Beaufort Castle (Shqeif Castle), are writing a new chapter of glory and pride".

He continued: "Glory is not built through speeches, but through the footsteps of soldiers. The capture of Beaufort Castle is not merely a military achievement; it is another blow to the symbolic pride of Hezbollah, which threatened us with weakness, only to see its strongholds crumble under our strikes."

Shqeif Castle, also known as Beaufort Castle, is one of Lebanon’s most prominent historic fortresses. It is situated at an elevation of more than 700 meters above sea level near the town of Arnoun and overlooks the Litani River, the Marjayoun Plain, Nabatieh, and the Upper Galilee. Its strategic location has made it a focal point for battles and fortifications throughout history.