Israel launched missile strikes targeting Hezbollah’s financial arm, al-Qard al-Hassan Association, in Beirut. The attack aims to disrupt Hezbollah’s financial operations, escalating tensions in Lebanon and the region.
Israel thinks the al-Qard al-Hassan Association in Beirut is Hezbollah’s financial wing, and in October 2024 it launched missile strikes on its buildings. Given that it targets both Hezbollah’s financial and military infrastructure, the attack signifies a change in Israel’s military tactics. Known as the financial arm of Hezbollah, Al-Qard al-Hassan provides microloans to the Shia community in Lebanon; however, Israel accuses the organization of financing Hezbollah’s military activities.
Despite the strikes, the association has assured its depositors that their money is secure—a crucial message considering the ongoing economic unrest in Lebanon. The financial crisis has rendered the nation’s banking sector paralyzed, leaving AQAH as a lifeline for a great number of Lebanese citizens. On the other hand, the goal of Israel’s attacks is to cut off Hezbollah’s financial sources and diminish its military power.
The region may be impacted by this escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Hezbollah, a powerful political and military organization in Lebanon, has not yet launched a military counterattack. But there is a good chance that there will be further conflicts, particularly close to the volatile Israel-Lebanon border.
The strikes have created a risk for Lebanon. This increase makes the nation’s already dire circumstances—political unrest and economic hardships—worse. Hezbollah has a significant role in Lebanese politics, therefore any harm to its finances or military might have a significant impact on the stability of the nation.
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