What is al-Qard al Hassan Association targeted by the IDF?
The al-Qard al Hassan Association is a financial institution deeply entrenched within Hezbollah’s operational framework, serving as a cornerstone for their financial maneuvers in Lebanon. The organization, which claims to be a benign social aid association, has evolved into a full-fledged bank, heavily involved in providing money laundering services to Hezbollah. Despite being sanctioned in 2016, al-Qard al Hassan continues to be a prime financial asset for the terror organization.
Why it matters
By attacking al-Qard al Hassan’s branches, the IDF is taking a significant step in crippling Hezbollah’s financial capabilities. Cut from financial support, Hezbollah’s operational stamina and ability to sustain attacks via funding from Iran could potentially be diminished, which crucially supports the security interests of Israel. This is especially important, considering Hezbollah’s persistent efforts to maintain a mini-state within Lebanon’s sovereign boundaries, exploiting financial institutions to consolidate their power.
A deeper look: Hezbollah’s financial masquerade
Founded in 1982, al-Qard al Hassan promotes the facade of improving social rates among various communities in Lebanon. However, it’s entrenched in Hezbollah’s funding mechanisms, holding substantial amounts of gold—often collateral pledged for loans—and processing over a half-billion dollars annually. An exposed data breach in 2021 revealed how the institution overtly transgressed international sanctions by associating with other financial institutions and harboring accounts linked to sanctioned Hezbollah members.
IDF’s strategic operation in Beirut
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), through strategic operations against financial strongholds like al-Qard al Hassan, are actively seeking to destabilize Hezbollah’s financial bedrock. These efforts underline the broader strategy to impede Hezbollah’s capacity to operate with impunity across Lebanon, firmly contesting the infrastructure Hezbollah endeavors to institute parallel to the Lebanese government’s functionalities.
This story was first published on ynetnews.com.