Israel Targets Hezbollah Financial Assets in Lebanon
Israel’s military, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), is scheduled to carry out airstrikes against Lebanon on Sunday evening, targeting financial institutions linked to the Hezbollah militant group.
’ Trey Yingst, reporting from Israel, says the strikes will specifically target al-Qard al-Hassan facilities throughout Lebanon. Al-Qard al-Hassan, a unit used to fund terrorist activities such as paying operatives and acquiring weapons, is a registered non-profit organization. It is subject to sanctions by both the United States and Saudi Arabia. While the organization provides financial services, it is also used by Lebanese civilians.
The IDF has issued evacuation orders for civilians located near these financial institutions. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the IDF spokesperson, stated that the strikes will be widespread, encompassing not only financial centers in Beirut but also other Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon.
Sources reveal that the objective is to cripple Hezbollah’s financial support for the ongoing conflict with Israel, which began in October 2023. This conflict erupted after Hamas militants stormed into Israel, resulting in the deaths of nearly 1,200 Israelis and the capture of hundreds as hostages.
A senior intelligence official disclosed earlier on Sunday that not all of Hezbollah’s funds are held within these financial institutions. However, the strikes are anticipated to inflict substantial damage on the group’s economic capabilities.
The official emphasized that hundreds of thousands of Lebanese civilians, primarily Shia Muslims, utilize this banking system. Several branches in Beirut are expected to be targeted during the airstrikes.
A year of escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah over the Gaza war escalated into full-scale war last month. Israel deployed ground troops into Lebanon earlier this month.
Israel’s announcement follows U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s statement on Saturday, where he expressed concern over the “far too high” number of civilian casualties in Lebanon during the Israel-Hezbollah war. He urged Israel to scale back some strikes, particularly in and around Beirut.
Iran provides support to the Lebanon-based Hezbollah. The United States is currently investigating an unauthorized release of classified documents that suggest Israel was mobilizing military assets in preparation for a military strike in response to Iran’s ballistic missile attack on October 1. This information was provided by three U.S. officials, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.