Hezbollah Funding File Returns to the Forefront
Hezbollah's funding file resurfaces following a Reuters report, with escalating US pressure on Lebanon to shut down Iranian funding sources and prevent the reconstruction of the group's financial network
Translated by Qiyas from الجريدة — Original source
A Reuters report alleging that Hezbollah received approximately $200 million from Iran to assist those affected by its war with Israel has thrown the party’s financing affairs wide open, reviving questions about its ability to rebuild its financial and social networks. This comes as Washington intensifies pressure on the Lebanese government to prevent Iranian funds from reaching Hezbollah or being used to reconstruct its institutions.
The party had begun laying the groundwork for this narrative even before the report was leaked, particularly through MP Hassan Fadelallah, who visited Tehran recently. Upon his return, he spoke of Hezbollah’s readiness to provide aid to those affected, in an effort to demonstrate the party’s capacity to continue playing its social and humanitarian role in its environment, despite the strikes it has suffered and its diminished financial mobility.
However, the Reuters report was quickly met with a denial by the United States. U.S. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated that Hezbollah has reasons to circulate such narratives through anonymous sources, adding that while it can claim whatever it wishes, “the money does not exist.” He accused the party of attempting to “save face” and affirmed that the United States would continue to tighten the noose around Hezbollah’s financial resources, alongside supporting the legitimate Lebanese government’s ability to rebuild the southern regions.
He stressed that under President Donald Trump’s administration, “Hezbollah will not be able to recover or rebuild its terrorist infrastructure.”
This U.S. stance poses significant challenges for Lebanon. According to information, the United States has reportedly urged Lebanon to tighten measures to prevent Hezbollah from smuggling funds or benefiting from any state aid provided by the Lebanese government. U.S. pressure is focused on money exchange companies and financial institutions affiliated with Hezbollah. Additionally, there are reports of U.S. opposition to financing the Lebanese government’s South Lebanon Reconstruction Council, arguing that such funding would benefit Hezbollah.
In this context, talk of new U.S. sanctions on Lebanon has resurfaced, particularly targeting certain officials, personalities, financial institutions, and money exchange companies.
Another aspect of the pressure centers on demands to close Iran’s Saderat Bank in Lebanon, as well as to complete procedures for shutting down the Qard al-Hasan (interest-free loan) fund. It is worth noting that any assistance Hezbollah provides to its supporters will be channeled through Qard al-Hasan, which will further compound the challenge for the Lebanese government, which had begun taking measures against the fund but did not complete them.
According to information, there is open coordination between the U.S. Treasury and Lebanese official administrations to explore how to take necessary measures to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its capabilities through the funds it obtains. Furthermore, the United States is reportedly setting clear conditions for Lebanon, including the dismantling of all Hezbollah institutions, not just its military wing.
