Israeli Army Claims Occupation of Strategic Fortress in Lebanon, Scholar: If Israel Massively Invades Lebanese Territory, It May Get Stuck in a Tug-of-War

[Global Times Special Correspondent Ywen] On May 31 local time, the Israel Defense Forces announced that its ground troops had launched military operations in the southern Lebanese regions of Bofort Ridge and Saluki River. According to multiple Israeli media reports, the Israeli military has occupied the strategically important Bofort Fortress in southern Lebanon.

Photos released by the Israeli military on May 31 show Israeli soldiers entering Bofort Fortress and conducting patrols. The Israeli military stated that the operation has been ongoing for several days, with a large number of ground troops launching offensive actions in the aforementioned areas, aiming to expand the "forward defense line." NBC News reported that on May 31 local time, Israeli Defense Minister Katz stated that the soldiers who captured the Bofort position would remain there, falling under the control of the Israeli security zone within Lebanese territory. He also posted on social media platform X, stating: "The conflict is not over; Israel is determined to defeat the Hezbollah forces that have long been entrenched along the Lebanon-Israel border." Fawaz Gerges, a professor of international relations at the London School of Economics, stated in an interview with NBC News that if Israel were to occupy large areas of Lebanese territory, it could become mired in an endless tug-of-war in Lebanon.

Radio France Internationale reported that Bofort Fortress, built about 900 years ago, is a medieval fortress constructed during the Crusades. The Israeli military stated that this is a significant development in recent actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon and represents the deepest advance by Israel into Lebanese territory in over 25 years.

Lebanese Culture Minister Salameh condemned the recent Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon on May 29, which have put Lebanese cultural heritage sites, including Bofort Fortress, in "serious danger." UNESCO also expressed deep concern over the Israeli military's airstrikes around Bofort Fortress, which is listed on the temporary protection register. The organization stated that such historical sites are entitled to the highest level of protection under the law, prohibiting bombardment and use for military purposes.