Israel strikes Hezbollah financial institutions as Lebanon calls for talks

On March 9, 2026, Israel struck branches of Al-Qard al-Hasan, a Hezbollah-affiliated financial institution, in Beirut, Lebanon. The strikes targeted locations in Bir al-Abed, along the road to the airport, and near Nouairi. Al-Qard al-Hasan, under US sanctions since 2007, operates outside the Lebanese financial system, providing interest-free loans. Lebanese authorities blocked roads near the Nouairi branch, a densely populated area hosting displaced people. These strikes occurred after forced evacuation warnings last week in southern Lebanon, which have displaced almost 8 percent of the country's population. The Lebanese president has expressed readiness to resume negotiations to halt the escalation.

Human Rights Watch reported that the Israeli military "unlawfully" used white phosphorus shells in Yohmor, a village in southern Lebanon. The organization verified seven images showing artillery fire containing the controversial incendiary munition being used in residential areas. The incident occurred hours after the Israeli military warned residents of Yohmor and other southern Lebanese villages to evacuate. Human Rights Watch could not confirm if any residents remained in the area or if anyone was injured. While the Israeli military has not yet commented, it has previously stated that it uses white phosphorus as a smoke screen, not to target civilians. Human rights advocates contend that using white phosphorus in populated areas violates international law due to its potential to cause severe burns and fires.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported that Israel unlawfully used white phosphorus in populated areas of southern Lebanon in early March 2026. According to HRW's report released on Monday, verified images show white phosphorus munitions fired over Yohmor, a residential area, on March 3, causing fires in at least two homes. HRW stated that the use of airburst white phosphorus in populated areas violates international humanitarian law because it is indiscriminate and fails to take necessary precautions to avoid civilian harm. The organization confirmed the authenticity of images showing artillery-delivered white phosphorus munitions exploding over the residential neighborhood. HRW emphasized the dire consequences for civilians due to the incendiary effects of white phosphorus.