By Kayhan Life Staff
Hezbollah is “in its most vulnerable state in decades,” and despite its propaganda, it has “effectively been brought to its knees” following the death of its leader Hassan Nasrallah, according to a reliable security source in Israel, speaking exclusively to Kayhan Life.
Nasrallah, Secretary-General of Hezbollah, was killed on Sept. 24, in an Israeli Air Force strike targeting Hezbollah’s headquarters in Dahieh, a Shia Muslim suburb in the south of Beirut.
Recent intelligence and field reports show that Hezbollah is facing significant challenges in its command structure following intense Israeli airstrikes. The group is also enduring a severe financial crisis, so critical that it cannot pay the salaries and wages of its members and fighters due to a lack of funds.
The Israeli security source explained: “Smuggling routes and money transfers for Hezbollah, particularly through Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, have been shut down. The pathways for moving weapons and military supplies have also been mostly severed, with both the Lebanese government and army playing a crucial role in this effort and the fight against terrorism.”
The financial institution Al-Qard al-Hasan functions as Hezbollah’s private bank and is a hub for money laundering. It has been repeatedly targeted by Israeli airstrikes, with the army hitting its central office and major branches throughout Lebanon. Key figures tied to the institution have been eliminated in several operations.
In addition, the ongoing 24/7 surveillance of Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, in collaboration with the Lebanese army, along with the blockage of financial transfers to Al-Qard al-Hasan, have placed Hezbollah in a vulnerable position.
Kayhan London shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) on May 21 showing that on Sunday night, Oct. 21, 2024, Israeli fighter jets targeted the economic infrastructure of the terrorist group Hezbollah in Beirut during a pre-announced operation. This included the ‘Al-Qard Al-Hassan’ institution and several banks, the post said.
The Israeli military had cautioned Lebanese citizens to avoid Hezbollah’s financial centers, it added.
The post also quoted former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who had previously stated that the Iranian regime provides Hezbollah with $700 million annually.
Accompanying the post was a 29-second, undated black-and-white video showing an attack on a building.
“The Hezbollah bank was originally intended to help Lebanon’s poor. However, in truth, it became a funding hub for terrorism, with proceeds from drug and arms trafficking, along with financial support from the Iranian regime, being funneled through it. The funds meant for aiding the vulnerable were instead used to purchase weapons and cover Hezbollah’s military costs,” the Israeli security source noted.
Investigations and evidence reveal that Hezbollah is experiencing a significant budget shortage, which has led to the suspension of its reconstruction plans and construction projects.
“Hezbollah has diverted funds originally allocated for public health and welfare towards terrorist operations. The money and gold, raised through extensive propaganda targeting Shiites, particularly in Iran, never made it to the impoverished people of Lebanon but were instead stolen,” the source said.
On Nov. 21, 2024, Hassan Pelarak, the head of the HQ for Supporting the Resistance Front and a Brigadier General in the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Qods Force (IRGC-QF), stated: “To date, we have collected 150 kilograms of gold and more than $500 million in public donations for the Iran solidarity campaign supporting the Resistance Front.”
The amount is based on the exchange rate of 420,000 rials to one U.S. dollar in November 2024.
Field investigations reveal that most funds never reached Lebanon’s ordinary or impoverished citizens.
In April, the Codebreakers hacking group published a list of Sepah Bank’s wealthiest clients, which they obtained through a breach of the bank’s systems. The leaked data revealed that Hassan Pelarak allegedly held over £150 million in his account.
According to the Israeli security source, for some time certain Hezbollah soldiers and operatives have experienced delays in receiving their salaries.
The source said, “Their financial situation has worsened to the point where they have had to seek help from the Amal Movement, even though they have significant differences.”
Despite this crisis, corruption remains rampant within the upper echelons of the terrorist group. They have embezzled millions of dollars, pretending to fund memorial services and the construction of tombs for Hassan Nasrallah.”
“The operation against terrorism, particularly Hezbollah, has achieved major successes. They are now so fearful that they rarely venture out of their homes or hideouts, becoming increasingly isolated. It has been a long time since we have seen groups that once paraded in motorcades through the streets to display their power,” the security source stated.
This information highlights the significant progress made by the Israeli and Lebanese governments in their operations against Hezbollah, a group that relies heavily on the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Some analysts argue that one of the significant factors in weakening Hezbollah is the disruption of its financial network, which is primarily fueled by Iran’s oil sales and money laundering activities through Asian banks and shell companies.
