Israeli forces deepen Lebanon incursion as U.S.-brokered ceasefire talks continue

Israeli forces pushed deeper into Lebanon than at any time since the 2000 withdrawal. The move came despite a nominal U.S.-brokered ceasefire and rare direct talks. The advance also complicated efforts to extend the Iran war ceasefire. Tehran wanted any wider deal to include an end to Lebanon fighting.

Representative image

Qatar described the operation as a dangerous escalation. Germany’s foreign minister raised serious concern, according to dpa. The United States did not comment. Israel said it targeted the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah had fired thousands of missiles and drones at Israeli forces and northern Israel.

Israeli forces in Lebanon and regional ceasefire talks

The latest offensive challenged an emerging plan linked to the Iran war ceasefire. Fighting in Lebanon began on March 2, two days after the Iran war started. Since then, over 3,300 people died in Lebanon, including dozens of children. Around 1 million people were displaced during the conflict, according to figures cited.

On the Israeli side, at least 25 Israeli soldiers and a defence contractor died in Lebanon or northern Israel. Two civilians were also killed in northern Israel. Israel warned civilians across southern Lebanon to leave their areas. Israel said those who stayed risked being caught in the line of fire.

Israeli forces in Lebanon and Beaufort fort seizure

On Sunday, Israeli forces seized Beaufort, also called Al-Shaqif, in southern Lebanon. The hilltop site provides wide views across Lebanon and into northern Israel. Israel last captured the fort in 1982 and held it for 18 years. The seizure was described as a symbolic step as troops advanced.

Beaufort has served as a military position for about 1,000 years. It began as a Crusader castle around the 12th century. It later passed through forces linked to Saladin’s Jerusalem army, Mamluks and Ottomans. It was also used during the French mandate and by the Palestinian Liberation Organization.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to the location’s significance. Netanyahu said Beaufort is "a symbol of a heroic battle for our fighters but also a symbol of deep division between us.\" The statement came after Netanyahu vowed last week to increase the blows. The fort has long carried political and military meaning.

Orna Mizrahi, a former deputy director in the government’s National Security Council, discussed what the fort represents. \"The military’s return feels like Israel is going in circles,\" Mizrahi said. \"There’s a feeling of, For what?\" Mizrahi said Israel would likely relinquish control eventually.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said Beaufort would become part of Israel’s permanent security zone in southern Lebanon. Mizrahi said a military presence alone would not settle the Hezbollah issue. \"Yes, we are damaging them in the operations, but in parallel we need to pursue a political and diplomatic solution.\"

Israeli forces in Lebanon and Hezbollah threat claims

Israel has long viewed Hezbollah as a major threat to northern communities. Hezbollah emerged in 1982 during an Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon. The group later attacked northern Israel and joined the Gaza war in 2023. Israel said months of war badly weakened Hezbollah, but the threat persisted.

Fighting previously paused after indirect talks led to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in late 2024. Israeli forces then withdrew, except from five strategic hilltops along the border. A new Lebanese government promised to disarm groups such as Hezbollah, but militants resisted. Israel said Hezbollah was rearming and rebuilding.

On March 2, Hezbollah again fired at Israel, and Israel invaded southern Lebanon. Israel also said it was trying to stop Hezbollah using a fibre-optic drone. Israel said the drone posed risks to forces and civilians. The technology has been widely used in the war in Ukraine, according to Israel.

Israeli forces in Lebanon and damage in southern areas

Hundreds of thousands fled southern Lebanon as airstrikes expanded and ground troops advanced. Many civilians moved to Beirut, where hundreds were killed. An intense bombardment in April was also reported. A separate U.S.-brokered ceasefire began in mid-April. Unlike the Iran war ceasefire, it did not hold.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Israel of a policy of total destruction of cities and towns. Salam also said, \"Israel is trying to uproot Lebanon’s memory and erase the people’s history,\" on Saturday. Israel now controlled large areas in southern Lebanon. Reports also said homes and historical sites were demolished.

The incursion remained a key pressure point in diplomacy around the Iran war and Lebanon’s conflict. International reactions included warnings from Qatar and concern voiced via Germany’s foreign minister. With displacement and casualties rising, the ceasefire in Lebanon stayed fragile. The Israeli military said it aimed to limit Hezbollah capabilities, while Lebanon’s leaders said the campaign went too far.

With inputs from PTI