Israel Targets Hezbollah's Financial Network Amid Rising Tensions

Israel's Defense Ministry imposed sanctions on Al-Qard al-Hassan Association's clients, used by Hezbollah for fundraising and money laundering. Airstrikes targeted its branches, and the network's illicit financial activities were linked to regional instability. Hezbollah's ongoing attacks in northern Israel highlight escalating tensions after recent hostilities.

In a decisive move, Israel's Defense Ministry has declared sanctions on numerous clients of the Al-Qard al-Hassan Association, an unofficial banking network linked to Hezbollah, renowned for its role in raising and laundering money for the group.

Israeli airstrikes have struck 20 of the group's 34 branches in key Hezbollah strongholds, as part of efforts to dismantle terror funding mechanisms and target those providing crucial economic support.

The Association, referred to as Hezbollah's "bank," has expanded to 34 locations amidst Lebanon's economic turmoil while adding to the region's instability through competition with Lebanon's formal banking sector.

(With inputs from agencies.)