BEIRUT – The US-led Israeli aggression on Lebanon has entered its 29th day with no sign of letting up.
The conflict saw its latest escalation with targeted strikes on the branches of the Al-Qard Al-Hassan Association in Beirut’s southern suburbs, the South, and the Bekaa. This organization, regarded as a social financial institution linked to Hezbollah, was founded after the 1982 Israeli invasion and formally licensed by the Lebanese government in 1987. By 2023, its branches had expanded to 34.
Many view it as a Hezbollah bank. Yet, the Al-Qard Al-Hassan Association disputes this, claiming to be a “solidarity association” that assists a plethora of Lebanese citizens across diverse sects. By offering “Qard Hassan,” a term from the Quran meaning an interest-free loan, it aids those in need, focusing on covering social and entrepreneurial necessities.
Interestingly, the US Treasury labels the association Hezbollah’s “black bank” and has levelled sanctions against it since 2007, accusing it of conducting unlawful transactions in support of Hezbollah. Related sanctions have also been placed on individuals alleged to be linked to Hezbollah’s financial dealings.
However, the raids on Al-Qard Al-Hassan’s branches seem more than mere attempts to cripple Hezbollah’s financing. Instead, some analysts reckon the core intent is political leverage, spreading fear amongst civilians by obliterating adjacent residential areas. Worth noting, these branches had already been evacuated, thus lacking money or gold to seize.
- The Israeli strikes surpassed 20 assaults, acting as leverage for the US presidential envoy, Amos Hochstein, who visits Beirut to apply pressure on Hezbollah.
- Reports imply that Israel aims to sever Hezbollah’s communal connections after the threat posed by drones targeting Netanyahu’s abode.
Adding complexity is the involvement of Hochstein, a figure with deep roots in both Israeli and US politics. His impartiality has been questioned since he maintains strong ties with President Joe Biden and has reportedly wielded influence aligning more with Tel Aviv’s interests.
In the backdrop of Lebanon’s 2019 economic crisis, Al-Qard Al-Hassan offered modest loans primarily to small-scale ventures, extending repayment to 60 months. Not without challenges, their systems were infiltrated in December 2020 by a group called “Spiders.” The hackers accessed surveillance footage and lists of borrowers and depositors.
Despite the pressures, Hezbollah’s leadership reaffirmed their stance to Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. Hezbollah’s strategy emphasizes the cessation of hostilities in Gaza, a condition anchored by Hezbollah’s leader, His Eminence Shaheed Sayyed Nasrallah.
Notably, Axios reported that Israel has set stringent terms tantamount to a potential occupation of Lebanon. Yet, Lebanese resolution remains steadfast in safeguarding national sovereignty. The Lebanese populace is urged to rally around legitimate demands while fostering resilience.
Therefore, it’s not merely about Hochstein’s diplomatic terms, but the might of Hezbollah and its operations that ultimately shape the region’s future. When faced with relentless aggression, unity within Lebanon becomes paramount.
