Sunday, June 22, 2025

Israel Strikes Back: Targeting Hezbollah’s Financial Lifelines

Yonhap News

Israel has escalated its offensive against Hezbollah, declaring plans to target financial institutions linked to the Lebanese militant group to cut off its funding. The Israeli military claims it is intensifying attacks as Hezbollah teeters on the brink of collapse.

According to the Times of Israel, on Sunday, the Israeli military issued evacuation orders for 15 areas associated with Hezbollah in the Bekaa Valley and south of Beirut, the Lebanese capital. The Arabic-language statement instructed civilians to move at least 500 meters away from the designated zones.

Earlier, Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari announced during a briefing, “In the coming hours, we will warn Lebanese residents of Beirut and other regions to evacuate locations involved in funding Hezbollah’s terrorist activities.”

Lebanese media reported that Israel is planning to strike branches of Al-Qard al-Hassan, a financial institution linked to Hezbollah. Under Islamic law, these institutions prohibit charging interest on loans and operate similarly to local banks. The U.S. imposed sanctions on Al-Qard al-Hassan in 2007, claiming it was a front for managing Hezbollah’s financial operations and providing access to the international monetary system. Times of Israel noted that branches of Al-Qard al-Hassan affiliated with Hezbollah are a critical source of the group’s funding.

On the same day, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant visited troops stationed along the border, stating that Israel is not only defeating the enemy but also dismantling every village Hezbollah planned to use as a base for attacks. He stressed that the ultimate goal is to fully clear Hezbollah-controlled areas, allowing residents in northern Israel to return and rebuild their lives.

Gallant added that Hezbollah prisoners had revealed growing fear within the group’s ranks, asserting that “Hezbollah is collapsing.” Meanwhile, Lebanese state media reported that the Israeli military conducted 14 consecutive airstrikes within a span of 15 minutes on the town of Kiam in southern Lebanon that same day.

Hot this week

Japan’s Steel Giant Takes Over US Steel: What It Means for American Workers

Nippon Steel acquires U.S. Steel for $14.1 billion, ensuring U.S. government oversight and maintaining its headquarters in Pittsburgh.

Trump’s Ultimatum to Iran Jolts Oil Prices into Unsteady Climb

Oil prices rose slightly as markets reacted to Trump's ultimatum to Iran, with WTI and Brent crude experiencing minor gains.

Wall Street Wobbles After Powell Says No Rush on Rate Cuts

U.S. markets closed mixed after the Fed maintained interest rates, with tech stocks like Tesla and Nvidia gaining amid cautious investor sentiment.

Apple Joins Google in Map Export Request, Vows Flexible Compliance

Apple seeks South Korean approval to export high-precision map data, offering to accommodate government demands unlike Google.

Wall Street Takes a Dive as Tensions Rise Over Iran

The New York stock market fell sharply due to rising tensions in the Middle East and declines in major tech and solar stocks.

Topics

Japan’s Steel Giant Takes Over US Steel: What It Means for American Workers

Nippon Steel acquires U.S. Steel for $14.1 billion, ensuring U.S. government oversight and maintaining its headquarters in Pittsburgh.

Trump’s Ultimatum to Iran Jolts Oil Prices into Unsteady Climb

Oil prices rose slightly as markets reacted to Trump's ultimatum to Iran, with WTI and Brent crude experiencing minor gains.

Wall Street Wobbles After Powell Says No Rush on Rate Cuts

U.S. markets closed mixed after the Fed maintained interest rates, with tech stocks like Tesla and Nvidia gaining amid cautious investor sentiment.

Apple Joins Google in Map Export Request, Vows Flexible Compliance

Apple seeks South Korean approval to export high-precision map data, offering to accommodate government demands unlike Google.

Wall Street Takes a Dive as Tensions Rise Over Iran

The New York stock market fell sharply due to rising tensions in the Middle East and declines in major tech and solar stocks.

Brent and WTI Climb Following Heightened Concerns Over Iran Conflict

Oil prices surged amid rising tensions in the Middle East, with fears of disruptions to Iranian oil exports following Trump's return.

Why Stablecoins Struggle to Compete with Credit Cards in America

Stablecoins lack consumer incentives compared to credit cards, limiting adoption despite potential in specific payment areas.

Wall Street Bounces Back: Stocks Rally Amid Iran-Israel Ceasefire Hopes

US stock indices rebounded on the 16th as reports emerged of Iran seeking negotiations amidst ongoing conflicts.

Related Articles