Israel accuses Iran of transferring tens of millions of dollars in cash to Hezbollah via Beirut airport, strengthening its military capability.
Israel has lodged a complaint with the Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Committee, claiming that Iranian emissaries are funneling “tens of millions of dollars in cash” via Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport to finance Hezbollah’s military reconstitution. This financial strategy is intended to compensate for the losses suffered by the group in recent conflicts. Meanwhile, branches of al-Qard al-Hassan, Hezbollah’s main financial arm, have resumed their activities, despite Israeli strikes aimed at isolating its financial networks. The closure of Syrian airspace to Iranian flights further complicates Hezbollah’s rearmament, forcing Iran to explore new supply routes, notably via Turkey.
Iranian financial transfers via Beirut airport
According to Israeli sources, Iran is using Beirut’s Rafic Hariri international airport to transfer funds to Hezbollah. Iranian emissaries are said to be involved in channelling “tens of millions of dollars in cash” to support the group’s military reconstitution. This method of financing circumvents international sanctions and provides Hezbollah with rapid liquidity. However, these allegations are disputed by Lebanese and Iranian officials, who deny the use of commercial flights for such transfers.
The resumption of Hezbollah’s financial activities
Despite Israeli efforts to weaken Hezbollah, notably through strikes targeting its financial infrastructure, the group has managed to revive some of its operations. For example, 28 branches of al-Qard al-Hassan, one of Hezbollah’s main financial institutions, have resumed operations. This financial resilience is essential for the group, as it enables it to continue financing its military and social operations, despite external pressure.
Logistical challenges posed by the closure of Syrian airspace
Historically, Iran has used Syrian airspace to transport supplies and funds to Hezbollah. However, reports indicate that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leader Ahmad al-Shara has decided to ban Iranian civilian and military flights in Syrian airspace. This ban considerably complicates Iran’s ability to rearm Hezbollah, forcing it to seek alternative routes, such as links via Turkey. However, these new routes present their own logistical and strategic challenges.
Strategic consequences of Iranian financial support for Hezbollah
Iran’s continued financial support for Hezbollah has major strategic implications for the region. On the one hand, it enables Hezbollah to rebuild its military capabilities after losses suffered in recent conflicts. On the other, it exacerbates tensions with Israel, which sees these actions as a direct threat to its security. In response, Israel has stepped up its efforts to disrupt Hezbollah’s financial networks, and has even threatened to strike Beirut airport if these transfers continue.
Future prospects for Hezbollah rearmament
Despite the current challenges, Hezbollah continues to look for ways to strengthen its military capabilities. Financial support from Iran plays a crucial role in these efforts, but the closure of certain supply routes and international pressure complicate the situation. The group will probably have to adapt its logistical and financial strategies to overcome these obstacles and maintain its position as a key player in the region.
Iran’s financial support for Hezbollah, notably via cash transfers through Beirut airport, underlines the complexity of geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East. As Hezbollah strives to rebuild its military capabilities, it must navigate between international pressures, logistical challenges and the need to maintain the support of its supporters. The situation remains fluid, and future developments will depend on a variety of factors, including the actions of regional and international players.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.