‘Israeli’ soldiers watch World Cup semi-final inside Lebanon’s Beaufort Castle

• ‘Israeli’ media published a photo showing soldiers watching the World Cup semi-final between Spain and France inside Lebanon’s Beaufort Castle.
• The site carries historical significance due to its role during ‘Israel’s’ 1982 invasion of Lebanon and its 18-year occupation.

‘Israeli’ soldiers were pictured watching the World Cup semi-final between Spain and France inside Lebanon’s Beaufort Castle, according to a photo published by ‘Israeli’ media.

The image shows soldiers gathered inside the historic castle, watching the match on a makeshift projector screen at the site, which has become a focal point of controversy due to its historical and military significance.

‘Israeli’ forces captured Lebanon’s Beaufort Castle on May 31, 2026, in what the military described as its deepest incursion into Lebanon in more than 25 years, despite a ceasefire that had technically been in place since mid-April.

Located on a hilltop overlooking the Litani River, Beaufort Castle was built by Crusaders in the 12th century. The site later became a military position during ‘Israel’s’ occupation of southern Lebanon, which lasted from 1982 until the withdrawal in 2000.

France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot previously called for a UN Security Council meeting over the capture, saying that "nothing can justify the continuation of Israeli military operations in Lebanon and its ever-deeper occupation of Lebanese territory."

Despite international criticism, ‘Israeli’ soldiers have remained at the location.

The forces later released a video claiming to show underground tunnels built by Hezbollah beneath the area. Hezbollah has not publicly responded to the claims.