Summary
Hezbollah’s financial network plays a crucial role in supporting its military activities and operations against Israel, leveraging both local resources and external funding, particularly from Iran. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have identified Al-Qard Al-Hasan, a non-profit charity, as a key institution used by Hezbollah to finance its operations, illustrating the group’s ability to blend legitimate financial activities with its militant agenda.
The IDF’s recent disclosures reveal that Hezbollah exploits Lebanon’s financial crisis to enhance its funding streams, with Al-Qard Al-Hasan providing financial services to civilians while simultaneously supporting the salaries of Hezbollah operatives. This dual function of the organization highlights how Hezbollah maintains its operational capabilities despite economic challenges in Lebanon. Additionally, Iranian support remains vital, with funds being transferred directly to Hezbollah from Iranian sources, including cash and gold transported by planes to Beirut. This intricate financial structure not only sustains Hezbollah’s military efforts but also poses significant implications for regional stability, as it undermines the Lebanese economy and complicates international efforts to curb the group’s influence.
Funding Sources and Mechanisms
- Al-Qard Al-Hasan:
- Registered as a charitable non-profit in Lebanon, this organization provides loans and financial services while funding Hezbollah’s military personnel.
- The IDF has characterized this as a violation of international law, emphasizing the need for awareness of such organizations that operate under the guise of charity.
- Iranian Financial Support:
- Iran’s Quds Force plays a significant role in financing Hezbollah, with funds derived from Iranian oil sales in Syria and cash transported directly to Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon.
- This support facilitates Hezbollah’s military operations and enables the group to expand its influence both locally and regionally.
Military Implications
The financial capabilities of Hezbollah, bolstered by both local and Iranian resources, enable the group to maintain a formidable military presence in Lebanon. As the IDF continues to target Hezbollah’s financial infrastructure, the ongoing conflict and military operations in the region are likely to escalate, further complicating the humanitarian and economic situation in Lebanon. The intertwining of legitimate financial activities with militant funding underscores the challenges faced by both local and international actors in addressing the threats posed by Hezbollah and its affiliates.
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