Hezbollah Accused of Hiding $500 Million in Gold and Cash
Israeli military officials have revealed that Hezbollah, a terror proxy backed by Iran, is concealing $500 million in gold and cash in a secret bunker previously operated by the group’s deceased leader beneath a hospital in Beirut. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari from the Israel Defense Forces explained that the Israeli Air Force is monitoring the vault beneath the al-Sahel hospital but does not currently intend to target it.
Insight on Hezbollah’s Financing and Operations
Hezbollah has been under scrutiny in recent weeks due to attacks launched towards Israel’s north, prompting Israeli military action against the group. The IDF discovered that the hidden bunker contains not only a significant amount of money but is also equipped with beds, rooms for extended stays, and spaces for operations. The location is believed to have belonged to Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s former leader, who was killed in an airstrike by Israel.
Potential for Lebanese Intervention
Hagari has urged Lebanese officials to assess the situation and prevent Hezbollah from using the funds to carry out attacks on Israel. In response, the director of the hospital, Fadi Alameh, has reportedly initiated evacuations due to the proximity of the facility to Hezbollah’s assets.
Concerns Over Terrorist Activity in Sensitive Locations
The IDF has accused Hezbollah and Hamas of using hospitals, schools, and other sensitive sites to hide weapons and shelter fighters. Hagari also highlighted how Iran channels money to Hezbollah, specifically through Al-Qard Al-Hasan, a financial institution that provides services to civilians and pays the salaries of Hezbollah operatives.
Efforts to Disrupt Terror Funding
To disrupt Hezbollah’s financial operations, Israel exposed the methods through which the group receives funds, including transferring money from Iranian oil sales in Syria and direct distribution by the Iranian Embassy in Beirut. By shedding light on these practices, the IDF aims to curb Hezbollah’s ability to carry out terrorist activities funded by these significant resources.
Insight into Hezbollah’s Financial Operations
By revealing the extensive financial resources accessible to Hezbollah, the IDF is reinforcing the importance of international scrutiny and intervention to prevent the misuse of these funds for terrorist activities. It also underscores the need for ongoing efforts to dismantle networks that support terrorist groups like Hezbollah.
