Israeli Airstrikes Target Al-Qard al-Hasan in Lebanon
The Israeli military launched a series of airstrikes across Lebanon on Sunday, specifically targeting various branches of Al-Qard al-Hasan, a financial organization linked to the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah. This operation represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
During a news briefing on Monday, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the spokesperson for the military, detailed the operation, highlighting that one of the key targets was a vault associated with Al-Qard al-Hasan, which was located beneath a residential building in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. This vault was reported to contain “tens of millions of dollars,” underscoring the financial significance of the organization.
In a decisive move, Israel’s Minister of Defense, Yoav Gallant, signed an order on Monday that officially designates Al-Qard al-Hasan as a terrorist organization. This designation is part of a broader strategy by Israel’s defense establishment aimed at disrupting the economic resources that support Hezbollah and other groups classified as terrorist organizations.
Here’s what you need to know:
- What is Al-Qard al-Hasan?
- Who utilizes the services of this organization?
- Why is Israel focusing on Al-Qard al-Hasan?
- What are the implications of these airstrikes?
- What is the current economic climate in Lebanon?
What is Al-Qard al-Hasan?
Al-Qard al-Hasan operates as a financial entity under the umbrella of Hezbollah, which not only has a military wing but also plays a significant role as a political organization and provider of social services within Lebanon. Registered as a charity in Lebanon, Al-Qard al-Hasan translates to “benevolent loan,” and it lends money according to the principles of Islamic finance, which forbids the charging of interest.
The loans provided by Al-Qard al-Hasan typically do not exceed $5,000 and are secured against valuables such as gold, jewelry, or other precious items. In addition to lending, the organization also offers savings accounts, facilitates financial transfers, and processes various types of payments, thereby playing a crucial role in the local economy.
