Israeli forces blow up structures near Lebanon’s Beaufort Castle

What the report says

Al Jazeera reported that Israeli forces set off major explosions near Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, a Crusader-era fortress that was recently placed on UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger. The report, published July 31, said the detonations took place as Israeli troops remained in parts of southern Lebanon despite a United States-sponsored framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon signed in Washington on June 26.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said the military destroyed a tunnel network in the Beaufort area, claiming it was central to Hezbollah plans to enter communities in the Galilee. They said roughly 700 tons of explosives were used and framed the operation as part of a wider effort to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency, cited by Al Jazeera, reported powerful overnight blasts near the Beaufort fortress, with shockwaves damaging windows in homes in Qlayaa. NNA also reported Israeli demolition activity around al-Mansouri and Majdal Zoun in the Tyre district, and large explosions in areas including Yohmor al-Shaqif, Arnoun and Kfar Tebnit.

The developments add pressure to a fragile post-agreement situation. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, speaking during a visit to Ankara, called for full Israeli withdrawal and the return of displaced residents. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkiye was ready to support stability efforts and reconstruction in southern Lebanon. Al Jazeera also cited Lebanon’s Health Ministry as saying Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed 4,333 people and injured 12,236.