Israel intensifies airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Syria and Lebanon, targeting arms caches and financial institutions.
At a Glance
- Israeli airstrikes target Hezbollah weapons depots in Syria’s al-Qusayr area
- IDF confirms strikes on Hezbollah’s armament unit, which has expanded to Syria
- Attacks aim to disrupt weapons and intelligence flow between Hezbollah and Iran
- Israeli airstrikes also hit Hezbollah-linked financial institution branches in Lebanon
- Israeli officials warn Syria against allowing Hezbollah to use its territory
Israel Escalates Attacks on Hezbollah in Syria
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has launched a series of airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in Syria for two consecutive days. The attacks focused on weapons depots in the al-Qusayr area near the Lebanon border, aiming to sever the critical arms conduit connecting Hezbollah and Iran. The IDF confirmed targeting Hezbollah’s armament unit, which has recently expanded its activities into Syria.
The airstrikes are part of Israel’s sustained efforts to counteract the Tehran-Damascus-Hezbollah alliance, which is considered a significant threat to regional security. Syrian state media reported that the Israeli attacks south of Damascus resulted in material losses and casualties, including at least two deaths and five injuries.
7/ Lebanon: Hezbollah has conducted at least 12 attacks into Israel since CTP-ISW's last data cutoff on November 4.
Lebanese sources reported that Hezbollah fired rockets targeting IDF armor operating near al Sadana and the Shebaa Heights on November 5.
The IDF Air Force… pic.twitter.com/YVyYi5ZHpb
— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) November 6, 2024
Netanyahu’s Stance on Hezbollah
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized the military’s commitment to disrupting Hezbollah’s supply line from Iran via Syria. In a statement, Netanyahu described the operation as “cutting Hezbollah’s oxygen line from Iran via Syria.” This aggressive stance underscores Israel’s determination to prevent Hezbollah’s power buildup through Syria and oppose the opening of a front against it from Syrian territory.
“The Israeli military on Tuesday said its Air Force had struck targets in Syria for the second day in a row, attacks it said were aimed at cutting off the flow of weapons and intelligence between Hezbollah, the armed Lebanese group, and its sponsor, Iran,” the NY Times reported.
Israeli government minister Gideon Saar issued a stark warning to Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad, cautioning against allowing his country to be a conduit for Hezbollah’s weapons supply. Saar suggested that Assad’s regime could be in danger if it continues to support Hezbollah, signaling Israel’s willingness to take further action if necessary.
Targeting Hezbollah’s Financial Network
In addition to the strikes in Syria, the Israeli military has conducted airstrikes on branches of al-Qard al-Hasan, a financial institution linked to Hezbollah, across Lebanon. The attacks targeted over a dozen branches, following the assassination of a key Hezbollah financier. These strikes aim to disrupt Hezbollah’s financial support system after targeting its leadership and communities.
Al-Qard al-Hasan, a non-profit charity supporting Lebanon’s Shiite population, has been accused of financing Hezbollah’s military activities. The U.S. Treasury has sanctioned the institution since 2007 for its alleged role in Hezbollah’s financial operations. Despite the destruction of its branches, experts believe Hezbollah’s finances remain largely unaffected due to funding from Iran and global supporters.
Implications and Future Outlook
The continuation of Israeli attacks on Syria is likely, regardless of any potential ceasefire in Lebanon. These operations are seen as a signal to Washington that Israel will persist in its efforts to dismantle the Tehran-Damascus-Hezbollah axis. The recent killing of Mohammed Jaafar Qassir, a key Hezbollah financier, in an Israeli airstrike further demonstrates Israel’s commitment to targeting Hezbollah’s leadership and financial networks.
