What it’s about
The Biden administration has introduced sanctions on a Lebanese network accused of illicitly trading oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to fund Hezbollah, an internationally recognized terrorist organization responsible for attacks on Israel.
Why it matters
Hezbollah’s activities destabilize the region and perpetuate violence against Israel. By targeting these networks, the U.S. aims to choke off financial support for Hezbollah, thereby mitigating their capability to sustain aggressive actions against Israeli communities.
The details
The sanctions target three individuals, five companies, and two vessels identified by the U.S. Treasury Department. They include Muhammad Ibrahim Habib al-Sayyid of Hezbollah, and Lebanese businessmen Ali Nayef Zgheib and Boutros Georges Obeid. These entities and individuals reportedly funneled resources from illicit LPG shipments to Syria, generalizing revenues for Hezbollah’s coffers.
Official remarks
Bradley Smith, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, stated that Hezbollah continues to “launch rockets into Israel and fuel regional instability,” prioritizing violence over the well-being of civilian populations, including those displaced in Southern Lebanon.
Additional insights from the State Department
Matthew Miller, spokesman for the State Department, emphasized that these sanctions contribute to broader efforts to dismantle Hezbollah’s financial operations. The U.S. remains resolute in targeting the terror group’s revenue channels and financial networks.
Broader context
Since the commencement of Israel’s defensive activities against Hamas in Gaza and ongoing confrontations with Hezbollah in the north, the U.S. has sanctioned numerous entities affiliated with terror financing, including those aiding Hamas, Hezbollah, and other extremist factions. Hezbollah’s near-daily attacks since October 8 have resulted in significant casualties, including 26 Israeli civilians and 20 Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers and reservists.
Casualty report
Hezbollah claims to have lost 436 members to Israeli defense operations, with fatalities occurring in both Lebanon and Syria, alongside 78 operatives from other terror groups. Additional casualties include a Lebanese soldier and over 130 civilians.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.