The IDF's focus on Hezbollah's economic infrastructure indicates a shift in strategy, aiming to weaken the group's financial foundation rather than just its military capabilities.
The attacks on Qard Al Hassan and other financial assets may lead to increased instability within Hezbollah, affecting its ability to pay salaries and maintain loyalty among its operatives.
The close cooperation between the IDF and the American Central Command highlights the international dimension of the conflict and the strategic importance of countering Iranian influence in the region.
The ongoing military operations by the IDF may escalate tensions in Lebanon, potentially leading to retaliatory actions by Hezbollah.
Disruption of Hezbollah's financial infrastructure could lead to a decrease in its operational effectiveness, affecting its long-term strategic capabilities.
Increased military activity in the region may prompt further international involvement or diplomatic efforts to address the rising conflict.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have announced a significant offensive strike in Beirut, targeting Hezbollah's economic infrastructure, particularly in the Dahiya district. This operation is part of a broader strategy to undermine Hezbollah's financial capabilities, which are heavily reliant on Iranian funding estimated at hundreds of millions to a billion dollars annually. The IDF aims to disrupt Hezbollah's economic system, which includes a bank known as Qard Al Hassan, that operates under international sanctions and serves as a financial lifeline for the organization.
The IDF's planned attacks will focus on destroying the infrastructure of Qard Al Hassan, which has 35 branches and approximately 300,000 customers. The bank is crucial for Hezbollah's operations, providing financial resources for salaries, construction, and maintenance of their organizational structures. The military operation is expected to damage buildings and financial assets, thereby impacting Hezbollah's ability to sustain its operatives financially.
In a related operation earlier today, the IDF struck a Hezbollah command center and an underground weapons site in Beirut, resulting in the deaths of two senior Hezbollah commanders. This attack underscores the IDF's ongoing military efforts to target Hezbollah's operational capabilities in addition to its economic infrastructure.
