International Law Expert Condemns Israeli Strikes on Lebanese Financial Institutions as Illegal Attacks
(Judicial Quest News Network)
GENEVA (23 October 2024) – Recent airstrikes by Israel targeting a financial institution in Lebanon have been condemned as violations of international humanitarian law by an independent human rights expert. Ben Saul, the Special Rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism, stated that these bombings represent illegal attacks on civilian objects, asserting that such actions are impermissible under international regulations.
Saul emphasized that international humanitarian law explicitly prohibits assaults on an adversary’s economic or financial infrastructure, even if such institutions are believed to indirectly support military operations. “The law is clear: only military objectives may be targeted,” he said, referring to the strict definitions that dictate what constitutes a legitimate target in armed conflict.
Israel has publicly indicated its intention to strike offices linked to a specific financial institution, claiming it serves as a financial backbone for Hezbollah. The Israeli military justified the attacks by stating they aim to cripple Hezbollah’s economic capabilities during the conflict and hinder its ability to recover and rearm post-war.
The institution in question offers interest-free loans and engages in various charitable activities, serving thousands of clients through numerous branches across Lebanon. Saul pointed out that while Israel may perceive this institution as a supporter of Hezbollah, the mere economic activities it conducts do not equate to military objectives.
“Bombing banks erodes the crucial distinction between civilian and military targets, which is vital for the protection of non-combatants,” Saul warned. He raised alarms that such tactics could lead to a state of ‘total war’ against civilian populations, undermining the fundamental principles designed to safeguard lives during armed conflict.
Saul further clarified that international counter-terrorism law does not provide a legal basis for military action aimed at preventing alleged terrorist financing or money laundering. “Bombing financial institutions is not a lawful response to the complexities of financial crime and regulatory challenges,” he stated.
He reminded nations of their obligations under international law to adopt administrative and criminal measures to combat terrorist financing and money laundering effectively.
These strikes are part of an alarming escalation of violence in Lebanon, where over 2,400 individuals have lost their lives in the past year, and 1.2 million have been displaced. Additionally, the conflict has resulted in casualties in northern Israel and Syria’s Golan Heights.
“The parties involved must immediately cease fire to safeguard civilian lives and work toward restoring peace,” the Special Rapporteur concluded, urging for a swift end to hostilities in the region.
