Israeli troops have captured Beaufort Castle, a 12th-century Crusader fortress located in southern Lebanon, marking the most significant incursion into the country in over 25 years. This military action follows days of airstrikes and clashes with Hezbollah militants, with Israel claiming to have killed around 3,000 of them since the conflict reignited on March 2. The advance comes despite a nominal ceasefire in place since April 17 and just before upcoming peace talks between Lebanon and Israel in Washington. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the occupation of Beaufort as a major shift in military policy, emphasizing the need for control over strategic areas. The castle, which overlooks parts of southern Lebanon and northern Israel, has historical significance and has been a military asset for centuries. Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has condemned the Israeli military operations as unacceptable and has requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. The situation remains tense, with local residents facing displacement amid the ongoing conflict.