Israel's recent airstrikes on Lebanon caught many by surprise. The targets weren't military bases or weapons caches, but branches of a financial institution linked to Hezbollah. What's the story behind this move?

Hezbollah, a powerful Shiite militant group, has been a thorn in Israel's side for decades. After losing many of its top leaders and suffering heavy airstrikes, Israel now aims to disrupt Hezbollah's funding. The group's financial arm, al-Qard al-Hasan, was hit hard. This institution is more than just a bank; it's a lifeline for many Lebanese, offering interest-free loans and supporting Hezbollah's social services.

But why target al-Qard al-Hasan? Israel and the U. S. see it as a front for Hezbollah's military activities. They believe the institution funnels money to buy weapons and pay fighters. However, some experts argue that the real blow to Hezbollah's finances would come from cutting off its main funding sources, such as Iran and wealthy supporters.

The strikes destroyed over a dozen al-Qard al-Hasan branches. While this may cause chaos and fear among Hezbollah supporters, it's unclear if it will significantly harm the group's finances. Al-Qard al-Hasan reassured its customers, saying it moved assets to safe locations.

Beyond the destruction, the targeting of al-Qard al-Hasan sends a clear message. It shows Israel's determination to cripple Hezbollah in any way possible. But will this strategy work? Only time will tell.

Why is Israel Targeting Hezbollah's Financial Backbone?

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