Photo Credit: Getty Images
Israel conducted widespread airstrikes across Lebanon overnight, targeting branches of Al-Qard al-Hassan (AQAH), a financial institution sanctioned by the U.S. since 2007. Lebanese state media reported at least 16 strikes, including 11 in Beirut's Dahieh district, three in the south, and two in the Bekaa region.
"Hezbollah has paid and will continue to pay a heavy price for its attacks on northern Israel and its rocket fire," declared Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, describing "massive fires" over Beirut as buildings were struck following evacuation warnings.
The IDF's operation specifically targeted AQAH, which they claim "directly funds Hezbollah's terror activities, including the purchase of weapons and payments to operatives." Two strikes occurred near Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport, disrupting flight schedules and causing a Dubai-bound flight to land 17 minutes behind schedule.
UN Special Coordinator Jeanine Hennis reported "widespread panic" in Beirut as Israel issued 24 strike warnings within an hour. Residents fled central Beirut, with some families opting to spend the night outdoors rather than risk staying in their homes.
The strikes coincided with Hezbollah's morning offensive, launching approximately 25 rockets into northern Israel around 8:20 AM local time. The IDF confirmed some rockets were intercepted, with no reported injuries.
This banking-focused offensive marks a strategic shift in Israel's approach. A senior Israeli intelligence official indicated the strikes aimed to disrupt Hezbollah's operational capabilities and reconstruction efforts. AQAH, established in 1982 and officially registered in 1987, operates 34 branches across Lebanon, serving as an alternative financial system for Lebanese citizens.
Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system is now positioned in Israel, requiring 95 American troops for operation. "We have the ability to put it into operation very quickly," Austin stated during his Ukraine visit.
According to Axios reports, Israel recently presented the U.S. with conditions for ending the Lebanon conflict, demanding "active enforcement" rights to prevent Hezbollah's rearmament near the border and unrestricted air operations in Lebanese airspace. A U.S. official deemed these conditions "highly unlikely" to be accepted by Lebanon or the international community.
The conflict's toll continues to mount, with UN estimates indicating 25% of Lebanon's population has been ordered to evacuate, displacing over 400,000 children. Lebanese officials report more than 2,400 casualties from Israeli attacks over the past year, with most occurring in the last month.
