[78298] IDF has taken control of the Beaufort outpost in southern Lebanon as part of a broad operation to deepen control over the territory

IDF has taken control of the Beaufort outpost in southern Lebanon as part of a broad operation to deepen control over the territory

Over the weekend, the IDF Spokesperson confirmed that IDF forces, including the Golani, Givati, 7th Brigade, Fire Brigade, and the Multidimensional Unit, launched a broad command operation in the Beaufort ridge and the Wadi Saluki area of southern Lebanon. The operation is intended to destroy significant terror infrastructure, eliminate terrorists, and remove the direct threat to the communities of the Galilee Panhandle and Metula. According to reports, the forces crossed the Litani River and expanded offensive activity to additional areas.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the event in his remarks reported on Abu Ali Express, in which he stated: "Tonight our heroic fighters conquered the Beaufort outpost. They proudly raised the flag of the State of Israel and the flag of the Golani Brigade there. We have returned to Beaufort united, determined, and stronger than ever." Netanyahu added that since the beginning of the war, approximately 8,000 Hezbollah terrorists have been eliminated.

Military and political officials emphasize the strategic importance of the move. Dr. Amir Bohbot notes that Beaufort, at a height of approximately 710 meters, constitutes a "key topographical point that controls a vast area of territory," enabling optical and electronic surveillance over the Ayoun Valley and Nabatieh. In reports by Suleiman and Blumenthal, it was noted that the operation had been planned for over a year and included complex breakthrough of routes and the construction of bridges over the Litani.

Parallel to the operational success, the news of the fall in battle of Staff Sergeant Michael Tiukin (may his memory be a blessing), a fighter in the Givati Reconnaissance Unit, was released with great sadness during the activity. Over the last 24 hours, incessant alarms were recorded throughout the north, including in Nahariya, Kiryat Shmona, and the Western Galilee, due to fear of hostile aircraft infiltration.

Defense Minister Israel Katz summarized the move as a "clear message to our enemies: whoever threatens the citizens of Israel will lose their strategic assets one by one." While most news channels reported on the operation by highlighting the operational and morale achievement, the Asrar Lubnan channel presented a more pointed line of questioning regarding the objectives of the operation and the expected duration of the IDF forces' stay in Lebanese territory.