Beyond military targets: Israel's strategy in the war against Hezbollah
The world press analyzes Israel's economic pressure on Hezbollah, the effectiveness of the US military campaign in Iran, and the diplomatic resonance of Colombia's recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
About the world press headlines
Against the backdrop of the evolving security situation, the world media offers unique perspectives on events in Israel. We present a daily review of major international publications to decipher how things look from abroad. The articles presented do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance of Globes.
1. Israel targets Hezbollah's weak point
"When Israel launched its war against Hezbollah in March, the first targets were not weapons depots or command centers, but banks," reports the New York Times.
Israeli fighter jets struck branches of the Al-Qard al-Hassan financial institution, long suspected of being Hezbollah's bank in Lebanon, as well as exchange shops and gas stations generating revenue for the organization. Israel and the Lebanese government are working to choke off funding channels from Iran.
Sources indicate that Hezbollah is facing severe economic pressure. Spokesperson Youssef al-Zein confirmed that the organization has suspended compensation payments to supporters. Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria in late 2024, Hezbollah lost critical smuggling routes, forcing it to rely on informal transfer systems like "Hawala" via the UAE, Turkey, and Iraq.
2. Recognizing the Golan: Why Colombia made the move
"Colombia recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights on Monday. It is only the second UN member state to do so after the US in 2019," notes Arab News.
The decision was one of the first acts by Colombia's new president, Abelardo de la Espriella. Experts suggest the move is largely symbolic but could set a precedent for other small nations. Critics, however, warn that recognizing border changes achieved by military force undermines international legal principles established by UN resolutions.
3. The big danger for Trump is no longer in Iran
"When the war in Iran began in February, the prevailing view was that the country's weakened regime was vulnerable to US technological superiority," writes the Financial Times.
In the first six months, the US carried out over 13,000 strikes, decimating Iran's air force, navy, and IRGC leadership. Yet, the campaign has stalled: the regime remains in power, the nuclear program is unresolved, and shipping in the region remains at risk. The real test for the administration will be the November Congressional elections, where voters may hold the leadership accountable for the conflict's outcome.
