Israel detonates 700 tons of explosives near Lebanon's Beaufort Castle, sparking claims of Beirut HMX strike

Israel carried out massive detonations using an estimated 700 tons of explosives around the historic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon on the night of 30 July 2026. The blasts generated shockwaves registering 3.8 on seismic scales, were heard across the south and Mount Lebanon, and shattered windows in nearby towns. Lebanese authorities denied the Israeli claim that Hezbollah tunnels existed beneath the UNESCO‑listed fortress, while Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri condemned the explosions. Lebanon’s Culture Ministry said the castle itself was unharmed.

Separately, a claim has surfaced that a recent explosion in Beirut was the result of an Israeli strike targeting a concealed HMX (high‑explosive) stockpile, allegedly linked to Hezbollah. The allegation, unverified by the parties involved, raises concerns of further escalation in the Israel‑Hezbollah conflict and could affect broader regional dynamics, including U.S.–Iran nuclear negotiations.