For the first time in more than a quarter of a century, the Israeli military has seized control of the strategic Beaufort Castle deep into sovereign Lebanese territory – even though there has been a ceasefire in place in the area, supposedly since April.
There are concerns that Israel is actually trying to extend its borders permanently with its boots-on-the-ground occupation down in the south in Gaza, Israeli troops’ presence in Syria, and now pushing further north, deep into Lebanese territory.
The Lebanese Prime Minister has accused Israel of pursuing scorched-earth tactics and a collective punishment of the Lebanese people. Israel’s defence minister has said they will not stop until they have crushed Hezbollah.
So what does this mean for that truce, for the wider peace talks, for Israel's intentions in Lebanon, and crucially, for the Lebanese people?
The Independent's chief international correspondent Bel Trew reports.
