Hezbollah fighters, embedded in reinforced bunkers dating back to the early 2000s, attempted to halt the ascent with anti‑tank missiles.
By Hezy Laing
The recent battle for the strategic Beaufort unfolded over a tightly coordinated sequence of hours, led primarily by fighters from the Golani Brigade, including elements of the 12th Battalion, the Golani Reconnaissance Unit (Sayeret Golani), and supporting engineering teams.
Their mission: dislodge entrenched Hezbollah forces from one of the most strategically important heights in southern Lebanon.
The terrain surrounding the Beaufort is among the most challenging in southern Lebanon. The mountain rises sharply above the Litani River, with slopes that reach gradients of 60–70%, forcing advancing forces to move in narrow, exposed channels.
The approach routes are carved into layers of limestone and dense brush, creating natural choke points that favor defenders.
Centuries‑old terraces, originally built for agriculture, now form uneven steps that complicate movement for armored and infantry units alike.
The summit itself is a narrow ridge dominated by the Beaufort Fortress, whose stone walls and elevated vantage point provide sweeping visibility over the Galilee and the surrounding valleys.
The operation began at 04:10, when IDF intelligence confirmed renewed Hezbollah activity around the Beaufort’s upper tunnels. Aerial surveillance from the 166th UAV Squadron detected terrorists moving equipment into firing positions.
At 04:25, Northern Command authorized the advance.
Golani’s 12th Battalion, under the leadership of Lt. Col. Yaron Ben‑Shahar, began moving toward the lower terraces, supported by Combat Engineering’s 603rd Battalion.
By 05:00, the first Golani platoons reached Wadi Saluki under sporadic small‑arms fire.
The terrain was steep and exposed, forcing the soldiers to advance in staggered formations.
Combat engineers cleared two explosive belts by 05:40, allowing armored support from the 7th Armored Brigade to approach within firing range.
At 07:15, Hezbollah launched coordinated mortar fire from concealed pits on the eastern slope. Golani Reconnaissance teams, led by Maj. Eitan Rahamim, maneuvered to flank the positions.
Their movement enabled the Artillery Corps’ 55th Battalion to conduct precision strikes that neutralized the mortar crews by 08:00.
The most intense phase began at 10:20, when Golani forces reached the intermediate ridge. Hezbollah fighters, embedded in reinforced bunkers dating back to the early 2000s, attempted to halt the ascent with anti‑tank missiles.
One missile struck a bulldozer clearing a path, injuring two engineers, who were evacuated within minutes by a 669 Rescue Unit helicopter.
At 12:05, Lt. Col. Ben‑Shahar ordered the final push. Three Golani companies advanced simultaneously along the western and southern approaches.
Despite heavy fire, they breached the outer defensive line at 12:47.
By 13:10, Sayeret Golani fighters reached the summit perimeter, forcing the remaining Hezbollah terrorists to withdraw through pre‑dug escape tunnels.
At 13:25, the Beaufort was declared secured.
The operation restored Israeli control over a critical vantage point and disrupted Hezbollah’s attempt to rebuild fortified positions overlooking northern Israel.
The battle demonstrated the Golani Brigade’s cohesion, resilience, and ability to execute complex maneuvers under pressure — a defining moment in the 2026 northern campaign.
