Israel has launched a wave of air strikes across Lebanon after its military said it would target Hizbollah-affiliated financial institutions, widening its offensive against the militant group.
An Israeli intelligence official said the strikes were intended to attack Hizbollah’s economic “system and strongholds”, with a focus on branches of the al-Qard al-Hassan Association.
The attacks will confirm Lebanese fears that Israel is expanding its offensive against Hizbollah beyond military infrastructure. The Iranian-backed movement is also Lebanon’s dominant political force and has a large network of economic, social and political interests across the country.