Mad-in-Israel

Hi,
The Beaufort is a symbol in the Israeli culture, Ever since IDF had conquered the Crusader castle (Qala’at al-Shaqif) on June 6th 1982 in the battle of the Beaufort from PLO forces that used it to launch rockets towards Israel. This was one of the first fights in Lebanon war, and the place was hold by IDF forces till Israel withdrawal in 2000.

The Crusaders had built the castle probably soon after it was captured by Fulk, King of Jerusalem, in 1139 . The point is 710 meter above see level, and sitting on a 300 meter high cliff above the Litani River to the east making it stand even more impressive than other crusader castle around (Hunin Castle, Nimrod Fortress, Metzad Ateret

The place is also a symbol for Lebanon people, or at least for the Palestinian or Muslims. For the Muslims they see it as a symbol of the victory of Islam over Christianity as Saladin conquered it in 1190 (although it was re-took it 50 years later). For the Palestinian it was a PLO Stronghold (1970s–1982) that repurposed as an artillery position, directly targeting northern Israeli communities in the Galilee.

Between 1982 and 2000 an Israeli post was built just south of the castle. Like so many other posts in Israel security strip, the place was a target to endless mortar shells, rockets bombings anti-tank missiles and terrorists attacks. As well as attacks on the convoys on the way to or from the post to Israel.

It might not have been the most dangerous (although dangerous it was) or important Israeli post in South Lebanon, but it became a symbol. As others posts it was slowly became more and more fortified. As more and more concrete was cast on the living areas and guarding point. First against the mortar shells and later against the anti-tank missiles.

The book (and later movie) called Beaufort (If there is heaven in Hebrew) helped stick the place into Israel history as a symbol of the time Israel spent in Lebanon security strip.

The Post was demolished in May 2000 (some pics of the place then), as Israeli forces withdrew from south Lebanon. The concrete bunkers and fighting tunnels were exploded, leaving again the high castle alone on top of cliff.

But this strategic point was not left unused for long. On the ground the castle became a tourist location again. Showing the visitors the remains of the Crusader castle that used as IDF post while the area was held by Israel.

But underneath the ground other action took place: Ever since Israel has left Lebanon, Hezbollah was building a net of underground tunnels deep inside the mountain below the castle and equipping it with military supplies and ammunition investing tens of thousand dollars in it.

The tunnels were meant to be used as part of the attack the terror organization planned on north of Israel and can be used as war rooms, a point to launch ground attacks or to lunch rockets and missiles on Israel.

On May 31st 2026 IDF forces took over the castle and some of the tunnels underneath it. They put under siege dozens of Hezbollah terrorists and Iranian commanders. This morning 700 tons of explosives used to demolished part of those tunnels, covering the ridge with white dust. The last time amount less than was used, a 3.1 earthquake was felt around the north.

But there are still tunnels on the north of the ridge the Beaufort is standing on (Ali al-Taher Ridge), still holds many tunnels and terrorists that needed to be taken care of.

Take Care
Gad

Beaufort castle from the south, you can see the cliff of the Litani River to the right of it.

A drone video of the castle