Not just missiles: The 'silent war' that is draining Hezbollah's coffers
Ynetnews • • world
Key Points:
- Since March, Israel has targeted Hezbollah’s financial infrastructure, including banks, money changers, and revenue-generating businesses, signaling a shift from solely attacking military assets to disrupting funding sources.
- The campaign, coordinated with the U.S. and Lebanese government, aims to cut off Hezbollah’s financial lifelines from Iran, putting unprecedented pressure on the group’s extensive social and military operations.
- Despite continued Iranian funding estimated at around $700 million annually, Hezbollah has reduced social services and halted some compensation payments due to war-related costs and Israeli strikes on its resources.
- The fall of Syria’s Assad regime severed a key supply route from Iran, prompting Hezbollah to rely more on informal money transfer networks through the UAE, Turkey, and Iraq, which are now under increased scrutiny and sanctions.
- While the campaign has disrupted some financial channels, Hezbollah and Iran have demonstrated adaptability in circumventing sanctions, making the outcome of this economic offensive uncertain but marking it as a critical front in regional power struggles.
