The Israel Defense Forces conducted a targeted airstrike on March 9, 2026, destroying a branch of the Hezbollah-linked Al-Qard al-Hasan bank in Beirut’s southern suburbs. Thermal footage from the operation shows the building being leveled, illustrating the precision of the strike and the IDF’s focus on disrupting financial networks that support militant operations.

Al-Qard al-Hasan, established in 1983 as an interest-free Islamic financial institution, has long been accused by Israeli and U.S. authorities of channeling funds to Hezbollah. The bank has been sanctioned by the U.S. since 2007, with estimated assets exceeding $100 million used to fund military activities and logistics for the group.

The strike comes amid escalating Israel-Lebanon tensions, as the IDF continues targeted operations against Hezbollah infrastructure, including both military and financial assets. By hitting the bank, Israel aims to degrade the group’s ability to finance and sustain militant operations, while signaling the costs of continued hostilities.

Defense analysts note that targeting financial networks represents a strategic approach to weakening Hezbollah’s operational capabilities without requiring large-scale ground engagements. The destruction of Al-Qard al-Hasan serves both as a tactical disruption and a broader message about Israel’s intent to dismantle critical support structures behind the group’s military efforts.

The operation was covered by multiple international outlets, including Al Jazeera and the Times of Israel, highlighting the growing regional implications of targeted strikes on financial and logistical support networks tied to Hezbollah amid the March 2026 conflict escalation.