Lebanon’s culture minister says that Israeli operations in southern Lebanon have damaged heritage sites located in the area Israel designates as a security zone. The minister points to the medieval Beaufort Castle and to surrounding centuries-old villages included within the zone. According to the minister, these villages are historic settlements that have long housed multiple communities, including Christians, Shi’ite Muslims, and Sunni Muslims. The claims are linked to the continuing Israeli presence in the region, with the minister stating that Israeli troops still occupy the zone that includes the castle and the ancient villages. The sources frame the issue as damage to cultural and historical property in an area affected by military activity. The reports describe the heritage sites in general terms and do not provide detailed documentation of specific damage locations or assessments, and they do not include a response from Israel in the provided excerpts.