On Monday morning, the Israeli military launched airstrikes targeting Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, as well as branches of the Karz al-Hasan bank, which is allegedly linked to Hezbollah. The attacks caused significant disruption in Lebanon, rendering the airport unusable for hours.
Airport Runway Rendered Inoperable
The Lebanese state news agency NNA reported that some of the airport’s runways sustained heavy damage from the Israeli strikes, leading to the suspension of operations. Rafic Hariri International Airport is one of the region’s largest air transport hubs, and this attack has severely impacted Lebanon’s air traffic.
Economic Strikes Against Hezbollah
Another target of the strike was the Karz al-Hasan bank, which is believed to have ties to Hezbollah. The bank’s branches in Beirut and the Bekaa Valley were hit. The Israeli military stated that the goal of the attacks was to weaken Hezbollah’s economic infrastructure. The bank has been accused of providing financial resources from Iran to Hezbollah and facilitating activities such as arms trade.
Karz al-Hasan is a financial institution that has long been suspected of working closely with Hezbollah and has been the target of U.S. sanctions. With over 30 branches across Lebanon, the bank handles basic financial transactions for the public. However, Israel claims that the institution directly serves Hezbollah’s interests, using this as justification for its actions.
Israel’s Strategic Objective
Israel has recently intensified its military pressure on Hezbollah, focusing on economic targets. These strikes are seen as part of a broader strategy to weaken the mechanisms through which Iran supports its proxy groups in the region. The Israeli government claims that the bank is used to pay Hezbollah members’ salaries and finance weaponry.
Rising Tensions in the Region
Israel’s airstrikes on Lebanon have escalated political and military tensions in the region. The Lebanese government condemned the attack, and it is reported that Israel is accelerating preparations for potential future operations. The strikes on the airport and economic targets have directly impacted civilian life, fueling growing anti-Israel sentiment in Lebanon.
The Israeli military, meanwhile, has stated that its operations will continue, with ongoing pressure on Hezbollah.
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