The Israeli Defense Forces are planning to conduct airstrikes targeting financial institutions in Lebanon that are linked to the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. The strikes specifically aim to target al-Qard al-Hassan, a unit within Hezbollah that funds terrorist activities. This nonprofit organization is sanctioned by both the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, providing financial services and used by Lebanese civilians. The IDF has issued evacuation orders for civilians near these institutions and the strikes are expected to be widespread, targeting not only financial centers in Beirut but also other Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon.
The goal of the airstrikes is to strike at the heart of Hezbollah’s financial support for the ongoing conflict with Israel. The conflict began in October 2023 when Hamas militants entered Israel, resulting in casualties and hostages. The IDF aims to significantly damage Hezbollah’s economic capabilities by targeting their financial institutions. While not all of Hezbollah’s money is held in these institutions, the strikes are expected to have a major impact. It is noted that hundreds of thousands of Lebanese civilians, mostly Shias, use this banking system, and a number of branches in Beirut are likely to be targeted.
Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah escalated over the past year due to the conflict in Gaza, eventually leading to all-out war. Israel deployed ground troops into Lebanon early this month, following a period of increased hostilities. The announcement of the airstrikes came after U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed concerns about civilian casualties in Lebanon, urging Israel to scale back some of its strikes, especially in and around Beirut. Iran supports Hezbollah, and the U.S. is investigating the movement of Israeli military assets in response to Iran’s ballistic missile attack on October 1.
The IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated that the mission is not over until hostages are returned and that the IDF will not rest until this goal is achieved. The strikes are considered part of a broader effort to weaken Hezbollah’s capabilities and undermine their financial support. It is expected that the airstrikes will cause significant damage to Hezbollah’s financial infrastructure, impacting their ability to fund terrorist activities and procure weapons. While there are concerns about civilian casualties due to the targeting of financial institutions used by Lebanese civilians, the IDF maintains that these strikes are necessary to address the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.
The escalating tensions in the region have sparked concerns about the potential for further violence and conflict. The involvement of multiple actors, including Israel, Hezbollah, Iran, and the U.S., has complicated the situation and raised fears of a broader regional conflict. The airstrikes in Lebanon are likely to further strain relations between Israel and Hezbollah, potentially leading to retaliatory actions and further escalation. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing developments expected as the conflict continues to unfold. It is important for all parties involved to exercise restraint and work towards a peaceful resolution to avoid further escalation and civilian casualties.
