Over the course of Monday following Hezbollah’s strikes on Israel, the Israeli army stated that it struck around 70 targets in Lebanon within 24 hours.
Israeli jets carried out attacks across Beirut’s southern suburbs, southern and eastern Lebanon. As of Monday evening, the Lebanese Ministry of Health reports that at least 52 were killed and at least 154 were injured.
State sponsored centers have reported over 29,000 people have been displaced since Monday’s strikes began, with unofficial reports indicating this number is higher.
Israel Focuses on Al-Qard Al-Hassan
Israel has targeted Al-Qard Al-Hassan branches—financial conduits linked to Hezbollah—across Lebanon, with over 18 locations singled out in Israeli army warnings. Around 10 branches have reportedly been destroyed.
A 12-story Al-Qard Al-Hassan building in southern Lebanon’s Tyre was completely destroyed in strikes levied against it.
Additional Al-Qard Al-Hassan branches were hit by airstrikes in southern Lebanon, the Baalbek and Hermel in the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut’s southern suburbs.
Israeli Army Coordinates on Hezbollah Offensive
Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir stated that the Israeli army will “conclude this campaign in a way that not only harms Iran, but also delivers a very severe blow to Hezbollah.”
Zamir met with officials at Israel’s Northern Command headquarters to carry out a situational assessment, coordinating efforts for a newly-opened front between Hezbollah and Israel.
From the Northern Command, he stated that “after Hezbollah initiated fire, I directed that we act forcefully against Hezbollah,” and noting that “the IDF has planned and is prepared to operate in multiple arenas simultaneously.”
Zamir reiterated Israel’s broader goals, saying that despite the escalation against Hezbollah, the Israeli army’s “central effort is Iran. We are operating forcefully and striking the terror regime, in unprecedented cooperation with the U.S. military.”
The Israeli army’s Arabic language spokesperson Avichay Adraee conveyed that the army’s Chief of Staff approved offensive plans for subsequent stages of attacks on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon and ordered forces to fortify both offensive and defensive efforts.
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