Lebanon’s central bank has issued a directive prohibiting all licensed financial institutions from engaging in any direct or indirect transactions with Al-Qard Al-Hassan, a financial entity affiliated with Hezbollah. This move aligns with international efforts to curb Hezbollah’s financial activities, particularly those that may facilitate its operations and access to the global financial system.
Al-Qard Al-Hassan, established in 1983, positions itself as a charitable organization providing interest-free loans in accordance with Islamic financial principles. However, the U.S. Department of the Treasury has sanctioned the institution since 2007, alleging that it serves as a conduit for Hezbollah to manage financial activities and gain access to international financial systems.
The Lebanese central bank’s decision comes amid heightened international scrutiny and pressure. The U.S. State Department has previously imposed sanctions on individuals and entities linked to Al-Qard Al-Hassan, underscoring concerns about Hezbollah’s influence on Lebanon‘s financial system.
In response to the central bank’s directive, U.S. Special Envoy Thomas Barrack commended the Lebanese government’s efforts to restrict Hezbollah’s financial channels. He described the move as “a step in the right direction,” emphasizing the importance of financial transparency and regulatory oversight.
The ban also follows Israeli airstrikes on Al-Qard Al-Hassan’s branches during the previous year, highlighting the institution’s contentious role in regional geopolitics. These actions underscore the complex interplay between financial institutions, political entities, and international relations in the region.
This development marks a significant step in Lebanon’s efforts to align with international financial standards and address concerns related to money laundering and the financing of terrorism. The central bank’s directive is expected to have substantial implications for the operations of Hezbollah-affiliated financial entities within Lebanon.
The Lebanese Forces Party has called for the legalization of Hezbollah’s institutions, including Al-Qard Al-Hassan, urging them to register within the Lebanese financial system and obtain the necessary legal licenses from the Central Bank of Lebanon. This call reflects ongoing debates about the integration of Hezbollah’s financial activities into the formal economy and the broader implications for Lebanon’s financial sector.
The central bank’s directive is part of a broader reformation effort aimed at strengthening Lebanon’s financial system and addressing international concerns about the country’s compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards. The move is expected to have significant implications for the operations of Hezbollah-affiliated financial entities within Lebanon.
This action underscores the Lebanese government’s commitment to enhancing financial transparency and regulatory oversight, aligning with international efforts to combat illicit financial activities and strengthen the integrity of Lebanon’s financial system.
Leave a comment