A new study by Dr. Jacques Neria of the Jerusalem Center for Foreign Affairs and Security alleges that Hezbollah uses Lebanese state institutions, including the Council for South Lebanon and the healthcare system, to finance its operations. According to the study, the council has become a 'cash machine' for the Amal movement, allowing Hezbollah to benefit from state funds while maintaining deniability.
A new study by Dr. Jacques Neria of the Jerusalem Center for Foreign Affairs and Security alleges that the Lebanese state is systematically funding Hezbollah through the Council for South Lebanon and the public healthcare system. According to the study, the council, originally a government body for reconstruction and compensation after conflicts, has been co-opted by the Amal movement to channel funds to Hezbollah. Neria claims that 'Hezbollah benefits from the financial and structural advantages of a state fund worth millions of dollars, while maintaining full deniability.' The study also asserts that the Lebanese healthcare system has become part of the mechanism: 'Hezbollah runs the hospitals, while Lebanese taxpayers bear the costs.' The findings come amid ongoing tensions between the Lebanese state and Hezbollah, which operates as a state-within-a-state. The Zioneer has previously reported on Hezbollah's involvement in Lebanese institutions, including an Israeli official's allegation that the Lebanese army chief cooperates with the group. The study's claims, if substantiated, would underscore the deep entanglement between Hezbollah and the Lebanese state despite the government's formal attempts to distance itself from the organization.
- DevelopingIsraeli official: Lebanese army chief 'cooperates with Hezbollah'
- DevelopingHezbollah strikes church in southern Lebanon, attempts to blame Israel
- DevelopingAnalysis: Hezbollah is Iranian proxy acting without state control, says desk
- DevelopingInternal criticism in Lebanon: Government endangers nation against Hezbollah, Israel
Source and signal
A single-sourced dispatch is never rated Confirmed or Strong. Its Signal strengthens only when a second, independent source corroborates it.
- Internal intake