After Beaufort Is Captured, Netanyahu Says: "We Came Back Different — United, Determined, and Stronger Than Ever"

Netanyahu (Photo: Omer Miron, GPO)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke today (Sunday) about the capture of the Beaufort outpost by IDF forces in southern Lebanon. According to him, IDF troops who crossed the Litani River seized strategic areas, while at the same time the expansion of the ground operation in Lebanon continues.

In a statement he released, Netanyahu said, "Last night our heroic fighters captured the Beaufort outpost. They proudly raised the flag of the State of Israel there, along with the flag of the Golani Brigade." He noted that 44 years ago, Beaufort was the scene of one of the most iconic battles of heroism associated with the First Lebanon War, and said that "this place was a symbol of a heroic battle by our fighters, but it was also a symbol of deep division among us."

According to him, "Today we returned to Beaufort differently. We returned united, determined, stronger than ever." Netanyahu said that during a visit he made on Friday to the northern border, he spoke with fighters operating in the sector, who asked him to pass along a message to the public in Israel. According to him, the fighters told him: "Tell the people of Israel what we're doing here. Prime Minister, the public doesn't know what achievements we have."

As part of his remarks, Netanyahu presented figures on IDF activity against Hezbollah since the start of the war. According to him, "Since the start of the War of Revival, we have eliminated 8,000 Hezbollah terrorists. Since 'The Lion's Roar' — 3,000. In the last month alone — 700. That's more than everything we eliminated during the Second Lebanon War."

The prime minister emphasized that he had instructed the IDF to expand the maneuver in Lebanon, and noted that after crossing the Litani and capturing the Beaufort ridge, the current directive is "to deepen and expand our hold in places that were under Hezbollah's control." According to him, "The capture of Beaufort is a dramatic stage and a dramatic shift in the policy we are leading."

Later, Netanyahu declared: "We have broken the barrier of fear. We are taking the initiative, we are acting on all fronts — in Syria, in Gaza, in Lebanon. We established security zones beyond our borders to protect our communities."

He also said that on Friday he spoke with brigade commanders operating in Lebanon. According to him, the commanders updated him that they are "carrying out the mission. Charging forward — and Hezbollah is fleeing for its life."

Netanyahu added that he replied to the commanders: "I am with you. The entire people of Israel are with you. It will take more time, but we will restore security to the residents of the north, just as we did for the residents of the south." He concluded by saying: "It will take time, but we will complete the mission."