By tf-lawyer.com On the 20th, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued evacuation orders for the southern Beirut suburb of Dahieh and the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon. Shortly thereafter, they launched strikes against Hezbollah-affiliated financial institutions in these areas. Ynet News reported that the IDF specifically warned that in the coming days, Hezbollah’s financial infrastructure, including the Al-Qard al-Hassan association, would be targeted in airstrikes.
IDF spokesman Jacobi conveyed a preemptive message urging evacuation before the operation commenced, stating, “Anyone near the locations used by Hezbollah for terrorist financing must evacuate immediately.” An Arabic spokesperson echoed this message on social media.
Witnesses reported large crowds in panic, causing traffic congestion in certain parts of Beirut. According to Reuters, explosions were heard in at least ten locations.
Jacobi revealed that in the following days, the IDF would disclose how Iran utilizes civilian institutions, associations, and charities to fund Hezbollah’s terrorist activities. He mentioned that the military planned to strike those targets on the night of the 20th and would provide updates in the upcoming days.
The military indicated that infrastructure associated with the Al-Qard al-Hassan association, which has over 30 branches across Lebanon—15 of which are located in densely populated areas of central and suburb Beirut—will become attack targets.
The IDF highlighted that a significant portion of Hezbollah’s activities, funded by Iran’s national budget, is conducted through these financial mechanisms to support terrorist activities. This includes funding for weaponry, storage facilities, launch sites, personnel salaries, and other operational costs.
Military intelligence suggests that the banks targeted for attack hold Iranian currency that, when converted to U.S. dollars in Syria, amounts to hundreds of millions to one billion dollars annually, primarily used for salaries and military infrastructure.
Since the economic crisis began in 2019, Hezbollah has become Lebanon’s most powerful and wealthiest employer, with fighters earning an average monthly salary of $500. Due to severe sanctions, Hezbollah’s banking economic association is unable to connect with international settlement systems and operates 35 branches across Lebanon equipped with ATMs. According to IDF data, all of Hezbollah’s financial reserves are held in cash and gold at these locations.
Additionally, the financial power centers of Hezbollah will also be targeted, which the IDF believes will disrupt Hezbollah’s stability and its ability to provide for its armed members and employees. The organization has established a network including schools and clinics to support its economic interests and activities. “Many buildings will collapse, and assets will become targets,” they stated.
