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May 31, 2026
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Israel Issues More Displacement Orders in Lebanon, Seizes Strategic Castle

AI Summary
Israel has ordered the forced displacement of residents living south of the Zahrani River in southern Lebanon as it expands its invasion of the country. The Israeli military has also seized Beaufort Castle, a strategic location near Nabatieh, Lebanon's fifth largest city.

The Escalating Conflict in Southern Lebanon

Israel has ordered the forced displacement of all residents living south of the Zahrani River in southern Lebanon as it expands its invasion of the country before a possible assault on the city of Nabatieh.

Displacement Orders and Military Advances

In a post on the social media platform X on Sunday, Israeli military Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adraee instructed residents to move immediately north of the Zahrani River, warning that anyone who remained in the area risked being killed.

  • Israel had issued more than 10 displacement orders in the previous 24 hours as it expanded its offensive against Hezbollah.
  • Israeli forces crossed the Litani River on Friday for the first time since 2006.

The Strategic Significance of Beaufort Castle

Israel seized Beaufort Castle, which sits atop a strategic hill near Nabatieh, Lebanon's fifth largest city. The Israeli military previously captured the 12th-century fortress in 1982 and maintained control of it until withdrawing from Lebanon 18 years later.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the capture as a significant tactical victory.

The Impact on Nabatieh and the Region

Israel has been encircling Nabatieh, a city that is key to southern Lebanon's economy and a cultural hub for the region.

Nabatieh is viewed by many Lebanese as a symbol of resistance due to its historic role on the front line of Israeli assaults.

The Humanitarian Crisis and Peace Talks

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has denounced Israel's invasion of the country, accusing its southern neighbour of pursuing a "scorched-earth policy" and imposing "collective punishment" on residents of southern Lebanon.

Israel and Lebanon are currently engaged in peace talks facilitated by the United States, but the negotiations are expected to resume next week.