Israel has carried out a series of air strikes in Lebanon targeting Hizbollah-affiliated financial institutions, escalating its offensive against the militant group. The strikes, aimed at disrupting Hizbollah’s economic “system and strongholds”, focused on branches of the al-Qard al-Hassan association. Lebanon’s state media reported that Israel conducted 11 strikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs and other locations across the country.
The attacks come as White House envoy Amos Hochstein is expected to visit Beirut, and have heightened concerns among Lebanese about Israel’s widening campaign against Hizbollah. The Iranian-backed group is not only a military force but also a dominant political entity in Lebanon with significant economic and social influence.
Many Lebanese, particularly from the Shia community, rely on the al-Qard al-Hassan financial network, which has branches throughout the country. Israel has issued evacuation orders for areas near Hizbollah-affiliated institutions in Lebanon.
Israel’s military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated that more targets would be struck in the coming hours. Israeli intelligence officials suggested that the campaign could extend beyond al-Qard al-Hassan to disrupt Hizbollah’s financial support network, which includes funding from Iran, Syrian businesses, and individual donations.
AQAH, sanctioned by the US in 2007 for its ties to Hizbollah, is one of Lebanon’s largest financial institutions. It provides interest-free loans in US dollars to hundreds of thousands of people for various purposes, including education, weddings, and small businesses.
Israel’s offensive against Hizbollah began as an effort to create a buffer zone along the Lebanese border. However, following the assassination of top Hizbollah officials, the campaign has expanded, leading to widespread violence and casualties on both sides.
Israeli forces accidentally killed three Lebanese soldiers in a recent incident, adding to the tensions between the two countries. The conflict with Hizbollah has resulted in thousands of casualties and displaced persons, with no end in sight to the violence.
Despite the challenges, Hizbollah remains defiant, continuing to launch attacks against Israel. The situation remains volatile, with both sides engaged in a deadly conflict with no clear resolution in sight.
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Israel’s military offensive in Lebanon has caused extensive damage and loss of life, further escalating tensions in the region. The conflict shows no signs of abating, with both sides prepared to continue fighting at great cost.