Israel’s Allegations Against Hezbollah
Israel has claimed that a secret funding center for Hezbollah exists in a tunnel beneath a hospital located in the southern suburbs of Beirut. They allege that this facility is concealing approximately ₹4,200 crore (around $500 million) in cash, as well as significant quantities of gold. These accusations come amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly following the outbreak of war on October 7 of the previous year.
Ongoing Conflict in the Region
Since the onset of the conflict, Israel has intensified its military operations against both Hamas and Hezbollah. Despite calls from the United States to cease hostilities, Israel has ramped up its efforts to dismantle Hezbollah’s financial resources. The Israeli military had previously indicated plans to target Al-Qard Al-Hassan, a bank associated with Hezbollah that provides interest-free loans and banking services, particularly to the Shia Muslim community in Lebanon.
Al-Qard Al-Hassan was established in the 1980s as a charitable organization and was subjected to U.S. economic sanctions in 2007. Following Lebanon’s financial crisis in 2019, it became the only bank available to the Lebanese people.
Attacks on Hezbollah’s Financial Infrastructure
Israel has accused Hezbollah of using bank branches as arms depots and has conducted over 15 aerial strikes targeting Hezbollah’s financial centers, including Al-Qard Al-Hassan. They report that nearly 300 targets associated with Hezbollah have been hit. This campaign aims to cripple Hezbollah’s financial capabilities and disrupt its operations in the region.
Claims of a Secret Tunnel
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari of the Israeli military stated that a secret tunnel exists beneath the Al-Sahhal Hospital in the Dahiyeh suburb of Beirut, allegedly owned by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Hagari claimed that the tunnel was built for long-term use by Hezbollah and is believed to be where funds stolen from the Lebanese populace are hidden.
To substantiate their claims, the Israeli military released an animated graphic video illustrating the funding center’s operations. Hagari also mentioned that Iran transfers funds to Hezbollah, often using suitcases containing money and gold sent via air from the Iranian embassy in Lebanon.
Reactions from the Hospital and Lebanese Military
Fadi Alame, the director of Al-Sahhal Hospital, rejected Israel’s accusations, asserting that they are baseless. He expressed readiness to invite the Lebanese military to investigate the hospital and prove the allegations false. Alame mentioned that hospital staff had been evacuated due to fears of imminent Israeli attacks.
Broader Implications
As Israel continues to intensify its military operations, reports indicate that loud explosions have been heard throughout Beirut, and Israeli airstrikes have targeted Rafik Hariri University Hospital, a key public medical facility in Lebanon.
The ongoing conflict is exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in Lebanon, where the economy has been struggling. As tensions rise, the potential for further violence and instability in the region remains high, drawing international concern.
Conclusion
The situation in Lebanon and its surrounding areas continues to evolve, with Hezbollah’s financial structures and operational capabilities coming under severe scrutiny from Israel. The long-term consequences of these actions could lead to significant humanitarian impacts, especially for the Lebanese civilian population already enduring economic hardships. The conflict’s complexity calls for diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and to address the underlying issues affecting the region.
