Israeli forces carried out one of the largest demolition operations in recent months after detonating approximately 700 tonnes of explosives near Lebanon’s historic Beaufort Castle, a site that was recently added to UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger. The overnight explosions echoed across southern Lebanon, drawing renewed international attention to the ongoing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border.
According to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA), a series of powerful explosions occurred around midnight in the vicinity of the Crusader-era Beaufort Castle, a centuries-old landmark overlooking southern Lebanon. Residents in nearby villages reported hearing massive blasts that shook the surrounding area.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the operation, stating that the Israeli military had successfully destroyed what they described as Hezbollah’s underground “terror tunnels” located beneath the Beaufort area. Israeli officials said the operation involved roughly 700 tonnes of explosives, making it one of the most significant engineering demolitions conducted during the current conflict.
Israeli authorities said the operation followed what they called a serious violation of the existing ceasefire agreement after accusing Hezbollah of launching an explosive drone toward an Israeli military vehicle in southern Lebanon earlier this week. Hezbollah has not publicly claimed responsibility for any attack against Israel since June 20.
Despite a reduction in large-scale fighting following recent diplomatic efforts involving regional powers, security conditions along the Lebanon-Israel border remain unstable. Lebanese authorities continue to report Israeli airstrikes, artillery shelling, and controlled demolitions across southern villages, while Israeli forces maintain military positions inside parts of southern Lebanon.
The destruction near Beaufort Castle has also raised concerns among cultural heritage experts. The medieval fortress, recognized for its historical significance and recently placed on UNESCO’s endangered heritage list, now finds itself at the center of an active conflict zone where military operations and cultural preservation increasingly intersect.
The latest developments highlight the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the continuing risk of further escalation between Israel and Hezbollah. As military operations continue and diplomatic negotiations face ongoing challenges, the humanitarian, political, and cultural consequences of the conflict remain under close international scrutiny.
