The Israeli military carried out a series of airstrikes across Lebanon on Sunday, targeting branches of al-Qad al-Hasan, a financial association linked to the militant group Hezbollah.
The organization came under U.S. sanctions in 2007 and has been accused by U.S., Israeli, Saudi and other officials of acting as Hezbollah’s de facto banking arm. In Lebanon, where Hezbollah also functions as a political organization and provides various social services, al-Qaad al-Hasan is designated as a non-governmental organization and is considered a Hezbollah-related charity.
The company operates as a private lender and financial services provider in many parts of Lebanon where the traditional banking sector is in turmoil. Many of the branches are located on the ground floor of residential buildings and are deeply rooted in the Shia Muslim community.
On Sunday night, Israeli military Arabic spokesman Avichai Adlai issued a statement on social media urging Lebanese residents to evacuate buildings near the Al-Qad Al-Hasan infrastructure around Beirut and throughout southern and eastern Lebanon. He warned that the organization was “at risk”. Involved in financing the Hezbollah organization’s terrorist activities against Israel. ”
Moments later, explosions were heard across the Lebanese capital Beirut. A New York Times reporter saw thick black smoke billowing nearby after the airstrike.
The airstrike marked a clear escalation in Israel’s war against Hezbollah, with senior Israeli intelligence officials saying that targeting banking systems rather than weapons depots or command and information centers meant disrupting Hezbollah’s day-to-day operations and The aim was to weaken the organization’s power. hinder support for the Lebanese community and impede its ability to recover.
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