Smuggling in Lebanon: Iran may be trying to fund Hezbollah via Iraq

Flights from Iraq to Lebanon are being inspected for illicit Iranian money aimed at funding Hezbollah, according to Iran International.

According to Lebanese paper Lebanon debate, these efforts are "similar to what happened previously in the cases of inspection of planes coming from Iran, the same thing happens with flights coming from Iraq, as the flights are subject to a thorough security inspection in order to verify the possibility of them transporting money or assets for the benefit of Hezbollah."

Israel has taken a number of steps to make sure the terrorist organization cannot resupply in terms of weapons or money and then rebuild itself following IDF air and ground operations against it last year.

During the ground operation, the Air Force even threatened Iranian planes believed to be carrying money for Hezbollah to turn around or face the consequences.

Israel also lodged a formal complaint with the ceasefire committee, claiming that Iran is trying to use commercial flights to smuggle in large amounts of cash to help the terrorist organization rebuild, and now it appears it may be trying to use Iraq as a conduit for the money.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah is trying to win back support for its cause from Shiite south Lebanese residents and other civilians whose homes or property were damaged or destroyed in the war, according to the Financial Times.

According to sources speaking to the Times, Hezbollah's famous welfare system, a key node of its influence in Lebanon, is working round the clock to help citizens get back on their feet.

Not everyone is so impressed, often complaining about the terrorist organization's bureaucracy and relative stinginess, providing far less compensation than what people think they need to truly rebuild. Many attribute the small sums to Hezbollah's parlous financial state, which has worsened ever since the war began.