Israel launched a series of airstrikes late Sunday and early Monday, targeting multiple branches of Al-Qard Al-Hassan, an organization financing Hezbollah’s operations. The strikes, which mark an escalation in Israel’s ongoing offensive, were aimed at weakening the Iran-backed group’s financial networks and crippling its ability to continue funding terror activities.
According to Lebanese state media, at least 11 airstrikes hit Beirut’s southern suburbs— Hezbollah strongholds—while more attacks were reported in southern Lebanon and the northeastern Beqaa Valley. Explosions echoed across Beirut, sending civilians scrambling for shelter. Some of the strikes were carried out near Beirut’s international airport, adjacent to the Dahiyeh suburb, where Hezbollah is headquartered.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the strikes targeted branches of Al-Qard Al-Hassan, an unlicensed financial institution operating as a key source of cash for Hezbollah. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, an IDF spokesperson, announced that the operation aims to dismantle Hezbollah’s funding infrastructure. He warned civilians to avoid any facilities associated with the organization.
“We will strike more sites overnight and in the coming days. Our goal is to reveal how Iran finances Hezbollah’s terror activities using civilian institutions as cover,” Hagari said.
Lebanon Under Fire
Hundreds of Beirut residents fled as thick plumes of smoke rose from blast sites. Witnesses reported one building in the Chiyah neighborhood reduced to rubble, though no casualties were reported as most residents had evacuated before the explosions.
The strikes come amid rising tensions, as Hezbollah continues to launch rockets into northern Israel. On Sunday alone, around 200 rockets were fired at Israel, triggering air defense systems and causing property damage in the port city of Haifa and other areas. The IDF responded with airstrikes, targeting Hezbollah positions across Lebanon, including command centers and weapons depots.
Israel also intercepted two drones, one over Syria and another over its northern territory, launched by Iran-backed militias in Iraq.
Intensified Air Raids
The ongoing conflict, which began with Hezbollah’s attacks in support of Gaza-based Hamas on October 8, has taken a toll on Lebanon. According to Lebanese health ministry figures, at least 1,470 people have been killed, most of them believed to be Hezbollah operatives. Hezbollah itself has confirmed the deaths of 516 fighters, with additional casualties among allied militias and civilians.
Israel’s broader offensive, launched in September, aims to degrade Hezbollah’s military capabilities and secure northern Israeli communities after nearly a year of cross-border skirmishes. So far, 29 Israeli civilians and 43 soldiers have lost their lives in the conflict.
The situation along the Lebanon-Israel border remains volatile, with the United Nations peacekeeping force (UNIFIL) reporting multiple incidents involving Israeli troops. UNIFIL accused Israel of destroying a UN observation tower, a charge the IDF has denied.