On October 20, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) issued evacuation orders for residents in Dahieh, a southern suburb of Beirut, and the Bekaa Valley, as tensions escalated in the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. Following the evacuation notice, the IDF targeted financial institutions associated with Hezbollah in the region, alerting that in the coming days, the infrastructure linked to Hezbollah’s Al-Qard al-Hassan fund would be prime targets for airstrikes.
IDF spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Richard Heidari warned just before the operations commenced, stating, “Anyone near Hezbollah’s terror financing sites must evacuate immediately.” A spokesperson for the Arab community echoed this warning across social media platforms.
According to eyewitnesses, panic ensued as crowds flooded the streets, causing significant traffic congestion in parts of Beirut. Reuters reported at least ten explosions in various locations.
Heidari emphasized that over the next few days, the IDF intends to disclose how Iran utilizes civilian entities, charities, and associations to fund Hezbollah’s terrorist activities. He indicated that airstrikes would occur on the night of October 20, with further updates expected soon.
Military officials confirmed that the Al-Qard al-Hassan fund, which has over 30 branches across Lebanon, including 15 in densely populated areas of central and suburban Beirut, would be targeted.
In a bid to avoid potential bombings at Beirut’s airport, many Lebanese citizens are opting to flee by boat. Though the airport has so far remained unscathed, the IDF previously issued warnings about possible attacks aimed at halting weapons transfers to Hezbollah militants supported by Iran. This has prompted many seeking to leave the country to choose cargo boats over flights from the airport.
The Central News Agency cited a report from AFP featuring Hassan Alik, 31, who evacuated Lebanon on October 19, choosing to depart from the northern port city of Tripoli along the Mediterranean coast. He expressed his concerns, stating, “If I buy a plane ticket, the airport might get bombed.”
Additionally, U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on October 19. Netanyahu mentioned that Israel’s advantageous position in the conflict stemmed from ignoring President Biden’s advice. Trump stated earlier that if he were to return to the White House, “Netanyahu would 100% listen to me,” as he aims to restore American influence globally.
On the same day, Netanyahu’s residence in Caesarea was targeted by three drones from Lebanon while both he and his wife were absent. One drone struck a building, while the others were intercepted, and fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The Jerusalem Post reported that Trump revealed during a rally in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, that following the incident, Netanyahu reached out to him, stating that Israel’s current success was due to disregarding Biden’s recommendations. Trump noted, “It’s unbelievable. He won’t listen to Biden; if he did, Israel wouldn’t be in the favorable position it’s in now.”
“Biden told Bibi (Netanyahu’s nickname) not to do this or that, but Bibi isn’t listening to him at all,” Trump remarked, adding, “I can tell you, Israel’s situation is much stronger now than it was three months ago.”
The Daily Mail has confirmed that Netanyahu’s office acknowledged the phone call.
This isn’t the first time Trump has questioned Netanyahu’s lack of compliance with Biden. In a recent podcast appearance on “American Conservative,” Trump remarked that Netanyahu would not heed Biden’s advice. When asked if Netanyahu would listen to him, Trump replied, “Absolutely, Netanyahu will 100% listen to me.”
