Today's Prayer | Israeli Forces Expand Ground Offensive in Southern Lebanon, Capture Strategic Stronghold of Beaufort

On May 31 (local time), the Israeli military announced that it had captured Beaufort, a strategic stronghold in southern Lebanon, after expanding its ground operations against Hezbollah and crossing the Litani River.

The Israeli military stated that it launched ground operations in the Beaufort Ridge and Saluki Valley areas. Prior to the ground assault, the Israeli Air Force conducted large-scale airstrikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in the region, accompanied by artillery and tank bombardments.

According to the Israeli military, the operation aims to "expand the forward defensive line in order to strengthen operational control in southern Lebanon and eliminate Hezbollah's direct threat to northern Israel."

Beaufort is a highland fortress that was occupied by Crusaders in the 12th century. From its elevated position, one can overlook Israel's northern Galilee region as well as Nabatieh in southern Lebanon, a key Hezbollah stronghold. The Israeli military stated that Beaufort and the Wadi Saluki area contain critical Hezbollah infrastructure that was reportedly established with Iranian support.

This marks the first time in 25 years that Israeli forces have occupied the area. Israel previously captured the fortress in 1982 and maintained control until its withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000.

The Israeli military further claims that Hezbollah used the area as a command center for military operations and launched hundreds of rockets toward Israel and Israeli forces stationed in southern Lebanon.

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Iran, which is reportedly engaged in final negotiations with the United States over a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at ending hostilities, is said to have made a ceasefire in Lebanon—including Hezbollah—as one of its conditions. As a result, Israel's expansion of ground operations could become a significant factor in U.S.-Iran negotiations.

Source: Yonhap News

"For the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our lawgiver; the Lord is our king; He will save us." (Isaiah 33:22)

Lord, we hear the news that the Israeli military has expanded its ground offensive in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah and has captured Beaufort, a strategic stronghold overlooking Nabatieh, one of Hezbollah's key centers in southern Lebanon.

Lord, as Hezbollah's influence within Lebanon has grown stronger than that of the Lebanese government through Iranian support, and as Israel has intervened militarily to suppress Hezbollah, we ask that You have mercy on the Lebanese people who continue to suffer amid confusion, instability, and war.

Lord, You are the Judge and Savior of Lebanon. We pray above all that the Lebanese government would seek the wisdom of Jesus. May Hezbollah's influence be uprooted throughout the nation, and may You stretch out Your hand of salvation so that true shalom may come upon Lebanon.

May the local church in Lebanon rely on Jesus, the Savior, even in the face of threats from Hezbollah. Raise up the Lebanese church to proclaim salvation and boldly preach the gospel all the way to the southernmost parts of the land.

We also pray that the global Church would speak on behalf of the Lebanese church that has suffered under Hezbollah's oppression. Strengthen believers around the world to help disciple Lebanese church leaders through God's Word, so that Lebanon may be governed according to His righteousness and truth.

May Lebanon rise as the holy army of the Lord, following Jesus the Savior wherever He leads. May it open every closed door throughout the Arab world and advance toward the nations for the glory of God! Amen.