It’s been called the last strategically significant castle in the world — and now Israel holds it.

Israeli troops captured Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon as it campaigns against Iran-backed terrorist group Hezbollah in the country.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the seizure of the hilltop Crusader fortress as “a dramatic stage and dramatic change in our policy.”

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shared pictures of the Israeli flag being raised above the 900-year-old fortress, which was constructed on a cliffside high above the Litani River.

The position gives Israeli troops a commanding lookout post over much of southern Lebanon and northern Israel.

Israel said Lebanese group Hezbollah had previously “carried out numerous attacks” on Israel from the ridge above the Litani River.

Israel added that its troops were operating against launch infrastructure in the area, from which “hundreds of projectiles were launched toward Israeli ⁠civilians and IDF soldiers.”

The operation is Israel’s deepest incursion into the country in more than 26 years.

Israel previously took the castle during the 1982 Lebanon War — when it was the focal point of pitched battles.

Israel used the site as a base for 18 years, before leaving in 2000.

The IDF issued a sweeping evacuation order to areas south of the Zahrani river, north of the Litani and around 25 miles from the border following the capture of Beaufort, warning that it was targeting Hezbollah.

“For the sake of your safety, we direct this to all residents located south of the Zahleh River – as indicated on the map – that you must evacuate your homes immediately,” Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee said on X.

It comes after Saturday saw one of the heaviest days of Hezbollah fire toward northern Israel since April’s ceasefire, prompting school closures and restrictions.

The operation was focused on establishing control of the Beaufort Ridge and the ⁠Wadi al-Saluki area, while degrading the Hezbollah militia and its infrastructure on the ridge established under Iranian direction, the military said.

One Israeli soldier was killed in the operation, the military said, while there was no immediate statement from Lebanon or Hezbollah.

“Today, we have returned to Beaufort in a different way. We have returned united, determined, and stronger than ever,” Netanyahu said in a video statement.

“The capture of Beaufort is a dramatic stage and a dramatic shift in the policy we are leading. We have broken the barrier of fear. We are taking the initiative, we are operating on all fronts – in Syria, in Gaza, in Lebanon,” he added.

Beaufort was captured by Crusader forces in 1139, although little is known about the fortress pre-Crusades.

During the 2024 Lebanon War, UNESCO gave Beaufort Castle enhanced protection to safeguard it from damage.

With Post wires.