In brief
Airstrikes aim to weaken Hezbollah's operations and support within Lebanese communities.
In a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East, the Israeli military executed a series of airstrikes across Lebanon targeting branches of Al-Qard al-Hasan, a financial institution closely associated with the militant group Hezbollah. These airstrikes were reported on Sunday, October 20, 2024, and have raised concerns over the humanitarian impact on local communities.Al-Qard al-Hasan operates as Hezbollah’s primary banking entity, which has been under U.S. sanctions since 2007. While designated as a non-governmental organization (NGO) within Lebanon, it acts as a key financial service provider, filling a gap left by the country's struggling banking sector. This institution is deeply ingrained in Shiite neighborhoods and provides crucial services to residents, which include lending and other financial support.The Israeli military's Arabic spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, called on Lebanese residents to evacuate buildings near Al-Qard al-Hasan infrastructure, citing its role in funding Hezbollah's activities against Israel. Following these warnings, explosions resonated through Beirut, visible smoke plumes indicating the impact of the strikes.This military operation signifies a strategic shift for Israel, focusing on the financial structures supporting Hezbollah rather than solely targeting military assets. An intelligence source indicated that disrupting Hezbollah's financial operations may hinder its capability to function within Lebanese society and contribute to its rebuilding efforts after recent conflicts.
