Escalation of Conflict in Beirut
On Sunday night, Beirut’s southern suburbs were rocked by multiple explosions following warnings from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) about imminent strikes on Hezbollah-linked financial targets. Hundreds of residents fled their homes as blasts, reportedly numbering at least ten, shook the city. These attacks mark a significant escalation in Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, which has spanned nearly a month. Dense plumes of black smoke were seen rising over Lebanon’s capital, with the Chiyah neighborhood in particular witnessing a building reduced to rubble. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of casualties, as people had already evacuated the area after receiving warnings.
Targeting Hezbollah’s Financial Operations
The focus of the Israeli strikes was the Al-Qard Al-Hassan Association, a financial organization with over 30 branches across Lebanon. The U.S. has previously sanctioned the association, accusing it of being used by Hezbollah to finance its operations. IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee announced via social media that the Israeli military had begun targeting the group’s infrastructure and urged Lebanese civilians to evacuate areas associated with the organization. Strikes were reported not only in southern Beirut but also in the Bekaa Valley and southern Lebanon, further damaging the financial network. In addition, a strike landed near Beirut’s airport, a critical hub for humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts during the ongoing conflict.
Israel’s Broader Military Strategy
Israel’s actions come as part of a broader strategy to weaken Hezbollah’s financial and military capabilities. An Israeli intelligence official stated that the purpose of these strikes was to disrupt Hezbollah’s economic operations, both during the current conflict and in any potential post-war rebuilding efforts. These strikes follow a series of Hezbollah rocket attacks on Israel, with about 70 projectiles being fired on Sunday alone, some of which were intercepted by Israel’s defense systems.
Meanwhile, international organizations like the UN peacekeeping force (Unifil) have expressed concerns over the safety of their personnel, reporting that an Israeli bulldozer destroyed one of their observation towers in southern Lebanon. The situation remains highly volatile, with the world watching closely for Israel’s next moves as the conflict shows no signs of abating.
