Late on Monday, Israel announced its intention to conduct additional strikes in Lebanon targeting a financial institution run by Hezbollah. The previous night, the Israeli military targeted at least 15 branches of Al-Qard Al-Hasan across various regions in Lebanon, accusing the institution of using customers’ deposits to fund attacks against Israel.
The strikes took place in southern neighborhoods of Beirut, southern Lebanon, and the eastern Bekaa Valley, where Hezbollah holds significant influence. One strike resulted in the destruction of a nine-story building in Beirut that housed a branch of the financial institution.
Prior to the strikes, the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings to minimize casualties, and there were no immediate reports of injuries. However, an airstrike near Beirut’s largest public hospital reportedly resulted in four deaths and 24 injuries, marking the first strike on the Lebanese capital in 10 days.
Israeli ground forces had previously entered Lebanon with the goal of pushing Hezbollah out of southern Lebanon. This move was aimed at enabling thousands of Israelis to return to their homes near the border, following a series of rocket and drone attacks from Lebanon into Israel over the past year.
Hezbollah has been actively launching rockets into Israel, especially following a Hamas-led attack in southern Israel that triggered a conflict in Gaza. Despite efforts to revive diplomatic solutions, tensions remain high as all sides appear entrenched in their positions.
The Israeli military spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, claimed that Al-Qard Al-Hasan harbors hundreds of millions of dollars used by Hezbollah to purchase weapons and compensate fighters. The recent strikes were intended to prevent the group from rearming.
In response, the financial institution assured its customers that it had evacuated all branches and secured deposits in safe locations. Al-Qard Al-Hasan, known for operating as an alternative to traditional Lebanese banks amidst a financial crisis, serves a diverse clientele, including civilians unaffiliated with Hezbollah.
Israeli military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari announced plans for further strikes on Al-Qard Al-Hasan, alleging that Iran supports Hezbollah by channeling funds through the Iranian embassy in Beirut. Additionally, Israeli intelligence claimed to have discovered a bunker under a hospital in southern Beirut allegedly housing large sums of money and gold belonging to Hezbollah.
Lebanon’s parliament member and hospital director, Fadi Alameh, refuted these claims, stating that the hospital had underground operation rooms and was being evacuated as a precaution against potential strikes.
Amidst escalating tensions, the United States is seeking to address the conflicts and enforce previous resolutions, such as U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which aimed to establish peace between Israel and Hezbollah after the 2006 war. The resolution called for Hezbollah’s withdrawal from the border with Israel and the presence of U.N. peacekeepers in southern Lebanon.
Efforts to broker a cease-fire in Gaza have also been ongoing, with the recent killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar adding complexity to the situation. Despite diplomatic engagements, challenges persist in reaching comprehensive agreements to end hostilities in the region.
As the situation continues to evolve, stakeholders are navigating a complex landscape of political, military, and humanitarian considerations in the pursuit of lasting peace and stability.