Israeli Defense Minister Katz said on May 31 that Israeli forces seized the
Bofor castle in southern Lebanon, calling the action a "strategic victory." Katz
said soldiers re‑raised the Israeli and Golani Brigade flags in the Bofor area
for the first time in 44 years and that the operation was conducted on orders
from Prime Minister Netanyahu and himself. He said Israel has expanded
operations inside Lebanon, crossed the Litani River and "controls the Bofor
ridge," describing the site as an important strategic position; the action had
been kept secret. Katz said the move sends a clear signal to Israel's enemies
and warned those who threaten Israeli civilians will progressively lose
strategic assets. He added operations are "not over" and that Israel will
continue actions aimed at weakening Hezbollah and completing the mission.
