Israeli forces blow up structures near Lebanon’s Beaufort Castle

Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon have intensified with large-scale demolition activities centered around the Beaufort Castle area. According to statements from Israeli leadership, the detonations were designed to destroy what officials characterized as critical tunnel networks used by Hezbollah for potential infiltration into Israeli communities. The scale of the operation, involving approximately 700 tons of explosives, generated powerful blasts that reverberated across the region, damaging homes and infrastructure in nearby settlements.

Lebanon's National News Agency documented the impact on civilian areas, reporting that windows were shattered in homes across the town of Qlayaa due to blast force and shockwaves. Additional operations were reported in multiple locations throughout the Tyre district and surrounding areas, with explosions heard across southern Lebanon. These actions occurred despite the recent signing of a US-sponsored framework agreement between the two nations in June.

Lebanon's political leadership has responded with calls for complete Israeli withdrawal. President Joseph Aoun, during a visit to Turkey, reiterated demands for Israeli forces to leave Lebanese territory and for displaced residents to return to their homes. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledged continued support for Lebanese armed forces and offered assistance with reconstruction efforts in the south.

Criticism of the ceasefire agreement has emerged from Lebanese political figures. Walid Jumblatt, a prominent Druze leader, characterized the agreement as inadequate, arguing that it permits Israeli "redeployment" rather than full withdrawal, which he described as problematic for Lebanese interests.