In brief
The Israeli military escalates its offensive against Hezbollah by striking Al-Qard al-Hasan, a key financial entity associated with the militant group in Lebanon.
On October 20, 2024, the Israeli military executed a significant series of airstrikes across various regions in Lebanon, specifically targeting branches of Al-Qard al-Hasan, a financial organization affiliated with Hezbollah. This organization, which operates similarly to an alternative banking institution for many Lebanese citizens, has been subjected to U.S. sanctions since 2007 due to its close ties with Hezbollah.Al-Qard al-Hasan serves as a vital financial resource for the Shiite Muslim communities in Lebanon, particularly as the nation grapples with severe economic crises that have destabilized traditional banking services. The facility operates from residential buildings, making it deeply intertwined with the local population. As part of the ongoing tension, Avichay Adraee, spokesperson for the Israeli military in Arabic, advised residents to vacate areas surrounding Al-Qard al-Hasan branches, citing their involvement in financing terrorist activities aimed at Israel.Reports emerged shortly after the warnings, indicating the sounds of explosions resonating through Beirut, the Lebanese capital, accompanied by plumes of thick black smoke. These military actions are identified as a deliberate strategy by Israel to undermine Hezbollah's influence and dismantle its operational capabilities, focusing on disrupting their financial framework rather than targeting conventional military installations.This escalated stance marks a significant shift in Israel's broader conflict with Hezbollah, emphasizing the group's financial underpinnings and operational logistics as primary targets of the Israeli military campaign.
