Israel plants flag on medieval castle, pushes Lebanon ground operation

Israel's flag flew over the medieval castle of Beaufort in Lebanon on Sunday, as it warned Lebanese civilians to evacuate a large part of the south of the country ahead of stepped up ground operations. Shelling was audible and smoke rose from the surrounding area as the invading army's banner was seen by AFP above the castle, which Israeli forces famously used as a base during their previous two-decade long occupation.