Israel Defense Forces infantry brigade
Israeli forces have captured Beaufort Castle and surrounding high ground in southern Lebanon, advancing their deepest into Lebanon since 2000. The military has issued wide evacuation warnings for large areas south of the Litani and says the operation targets Hezbollah launch infrastructure; one Israeli soldier has died and heavy fighting and airstrikes have continued around Nabatieh and Tyre.
The United States and Iran have signed a framework to end the broader conflict, prompting direct Israel-Lebanon talks. Israel maintains a security zone in southern Lebanon and will keep forces in place to counter Hezbollah, while Lebanon seeks de-escalation and a path to sovereignty. Ongoing clashes persist along the border as negotiations continue.
The mass walkout by roughly 100 soldiers from the Givati Brigade’s Tzabar Battalion has prompted a military investigation. Leaders have dismissed the soldiers from combat duty in one version of the response, while other reports describe a broader disciplinary action. The incident follows months of extended deployments and strains on manpower.