Israeli troops have captured the strategic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, their deepest incursion into the country in more than 26 years and a major territorial gain since the latest conflict with Hezbollah began in March.The Crusader-era fortress, located on a mountain range near the southern Lebanese city of Nabatiyeh, fell after days of intense fighting and air strikes on nearby villages, where Israeli forces battled Hezbollah fighters.The Israeli military said the operation had been launched several days earlier in the Beaufort Ridge and Suluki Valley areas to destroy Hezbollah’s infrastructure and described it as a “direct threat to Israeli civilians”.The statement said the military was “ready to expand the operation if needed.”Images released by the Israeli military show soldiers outside the historic palace, which Israel occupied during its military presence in southern Lebanon from 1982 until its withdrawal in 2000.This progress has happened despite the ongoing ceasefire since April 17. Israeli forces have reportedly crossed the Litani River and advanced to within about five kilometers of Nabatiyah, one of the largest cities in southern Lebanon.There was no immediate reaction from Hezbollah or the Lebanese government regarding the latest Israeli advances.The capture of Beaufort Castle comes as Israel and Lebanon continue direct talks in Washington, while border tensions remain high.The latest Israel-Hezbollah war began on March 2, when Hezbollah launched rockets at northern Israel, two days after the United States and Israel attacked Iran, Hezbollah’s main supporter.Since then, Israel has captured dozens of villages and towns near the border, expanding its military campaign in Lebanon.According to reports, the conflict has killed more than 3,350 people and displaced more than a million people in Lebanon.