The Israeli military launched a series of airstrikes across Lebanon on Sunday, specifically targeting branches of Al-Qard al-Hasan, a financial institution closely associated with the militant group Hezbollah. Established in 2007, Al-Qard al-Hasan has been under U.S. sanctions and is widely regarded by American, Israeli, Saudi Arabian, and other officials as the de facto banking entity of Hezbollah.
Within Lebanon, Hezbollah functions not only as a militant group but also as a political organization that provides various social services. Consequently, Al-Qard al-Hasan is classified as a non-governmental organization and is perceived by many as a charitable entity aligned with Hezbollah’s mission. The organization serves as a lender and offers financial services to civilians in a country where the traditional banking system is in disarray.
Al-Qard al-Hasan operates numerous branches, often located on the ground floors of residential buildings, making it deeply rooted in the Shiite Muslim communities it serves. This widespread presence facilitates its role as a crucial financial lifeline for many Lebanese citizens.
On Sunday evening, Avichay Adraee, the Arabic spokesperson for the Israeli military, took to social media to issue a warning to the residents of Lebanon. He urged them to evacuate buildings located near Al-Qard al-Hasan’s infrastructure in Beirut and throughout southern and eastern Lebanon. Adraee stated that the organization “is involved in financing the terrorist activities of the Hezbollah organization against Israel.”
Following this warning, the sounds of explosions reverberated across Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. A reporter from the New York Times observed thick plumes of black smoke rising in the distance shortly after the strikes commenced.
This wave of airstrikes represents a significant escalation in Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. A senior intelligence official from Israel indicated that the focus on targeting the financial institution, rather than traditional military assets such as weapons depots or command centers, aims to disrupt Hezbollah’s daily operations. The intention is to undermine the group’s support within Lebanese communities and impede its capacity to rebuild following the conflict.