A senior Israeli intelligence official revealed that Israel’s recent military operations in Lebanon have significantly disrupted Iran’s ability to fund Hezbollah, according to reports from Iranian anti-regime media.
The official stated that Israeli airstrikes and operations targeting Hezbollah leadership have severely affected the group’s funding, which previously came through monthly cash transfers of $50 million from Iran via Syria. This financial support was facilitated by Hezbollah’s Unit 4400, responsible for moving funds and weapons from Iran to Hezbollah.
READ: Iranian Spy Network Uncovered In Israel, Suspects Charged With Espionage
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) recently killed two commanders of Hezbollah’s Unit 4400, one on October 1 and another on October 21, further hampering Hezbollah’s ability to receive Iranian support. Additionally, IDF airstrikes targeted a Hezbollah-affiliated financial institution in Beirut, further diminishing the group’s financial networks.
Hezbollah’s chief media official acknowledged that the group has been actively trying to capture Israeli soldiers, stating that fighters had come “close” to achieving this in recent days. Hezbollah has a long history of taking Israeli soldiers prisoner to use as leverage in negotiations for the release of their fighters held by Israel.
The official also confirmed that Israel has detained several Hezbollah fighters since the beginning of its operations in southern Lebanon. The IDF has released footage of Hezbollah’s Radwan fighters, some of whom claimed that many fighters fled the area following the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Hezbollah has escalated its operations against Israel, with a spokesperson indicating that the group has increased the pace of both offensive and defensive actions. On October 15, Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem announced a new phase in the conflict aimed at inflicting heavy casualties on Israel. Hezbollah has since expanded its attacks, including an October 19 drone strike targeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence in Tel Aviv.
As ground engagements in southern Lebanon intensify, Hezbollah has launched at least 39 attacks on Israeli forces, towns, and air assets within the last 24 hours. Despite Israel’s efforts to degrade Hezbollah’s command and logistical networks through airstrikes in September 2024, Hezbollah claims that these networks have returned to full operational capacity, allowing them to continue escalating the conflict.
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